Two Bills Drive

‘Khalil Shakir developed into the reliable target many thought he would be in 2024 by catching 76 of 100 targets for 821 yards and four touchdowns. Keon Coleman averaged 19.2 yards per catch and had eight targets in the red zone. He put together a solid summer and must take a significant step forward. Josh Palmer ranked 10th last season among qualifying wide receivers in route win rate last year. That ability to separate could be huge for the offense.’

‘There is no position on the Bills’ roster, at least offensively, that has been scrutinized more than wide receiver – for good reason. Each year, finding the right mix for quarterback Josh Allen has been one of Brandon Beane’s top priorities.’

‘The NFL MVP connected on 26 passes that traveled 20-plus yards past the line of scrimmage, and the Buffalo Bills’ 72 such throws were the second-most in 2024. It’s an area they want to improve this season, as only two of those completions were for touchdowns. In 2022, Allen had a league-best 34 deep completions, and his output dropped to 28 in 2023.’

‘More so than any other unit on a professional football team, an offensive line has to be in sync. And this year, as the Buffalo Bills get set to make another run at a championship, they have a major advantage: They’re returning their starting five intact for a second straight year, all five at the same five positions.’

‘“Turnovers are the lifeblood of our defense,” said Michael Hoecht, one of the Bills’ newest edge rushers. “It’s going to be all year. We emphasize it every day.”’

‘“Joey is a big, long, talented dude,” general manager Brandon Beane said. “When you watch him in one-on-one pass-rush, or when he’s in a true one-on-one situation (and) he’s got nothing to do but beat the tackle, you can see he clearly still knows how to rush. We like where he’s at.”’

‘A successful season – and a healthy one – from Milano could propel the Bills, and Milano himself. Right now, he is doing everything he can to make that happen.’

‘“I think when you look at it, there’s a lot of different pieces, moving pieces right now,” Babich said last month. “We’re seeing progress – maybe it’s delayed progress, but we’re seeing progress in the way that we want it to go, whether that be from injury, availability, but we’ll be good.”’

‘Final Record: 13-4 (first, AFC East).’

‘I didn’t grow up going to Bills games. Watched them all − when the infernal non-sellout blackout didn’t get us − but never went to one in the early years of the stadium. Let’s just say it wasn’t real family-friendly at times back then.’

‘MVP race: 1. Josh Allen, Bills.’

‘Eagles at Chiefs (4:25 p.m., Sept. 14): Get a bowl of popcorn ready after you watch the Bills play the Jets. This is a rematch of Super Bowl LIX, featuring two top quarterbacks, and both teams have potentially elite defenses. We also get to see whether Kansas City will throw the ball deep more often in 2025.’

‘Here’s how staffers of The Buffalo News see the NFL season shaping up…’.

‘Leypoldt earned a top grade on each of his three tries in that 1973 home opener, but flunked on three in 1976’s home opener, a 30-21 loss to the Miami Dolphins. The first was a blocked kick that was not his fault. But Bills coach Lou Saban told reporters there was nothing wrong with the other two “except for the kicker.”‘