By WGR 550 SportsRadio
The Buffalo Bills are just a few days away from wrapping up another training camp at St. John Fisher College in Pittsford.
On Thursday, Bills fans got their first at the new look offense under new offensive coordinator Brian Daboll, and also a look at the quarterback competition between Nathan Peterman, A.J. McCarron, and rookie quarterback Josh Allen. Overall, there was a lot of positive things to take away from the preseason opener, including the play of each quarterback and how Daboll has made the offense look more dynamic than ever.
The team will look to continue their positive trend on offense on Friday as the team will travel to Cleveland to face the Browns in their second preseason matchup.
USA TODAY NFL reporter Lorenzo Reyes joined John Murphy and Steve Tasker on One Bills Live on Monday from training camp. The national reporter examined the Bills offense, what Daboll brings to the table in Buffalo, LeSean McCoy and Allen.
Here is some of what Reyes had to say:
Reyes on if Daboll will work some college schemes into Bills offense:
“I think obviously it’s going to depend on whom is the starting quarterback, but with that said – I think he’s not going to be shy about being innovative and implementing different things. And let’s not forget, LeSean McCoy is obviously a huge part of this offense, and it’s almost like he’s flying under the radar and people aren’t talking about him because everyone’s focused on the quarterbacks, but I think that versatility and his ability to catch the ball out of the backfield – they were working on screen plays today, for example – and I think that’s gonna be a big, big part.”
Reyes on what second-team reps mean for Allen:
“That’s really interesting. I think a lot of it is to give him that added responsibility to see how he responds. Because if, let’s say hypothetically, they would have given him those reps, and he really would’ve struggled, then I think that’s a bad sign. But, the fact that he was in there and he moved the team a little bit, he made some nice back shoulder throws – he did miss a few receivers, but granted he’s still a rookie who’s learning his way, so that’s to be expected.”
Reyes on why Allen’s getting second-team reps:
“I do think we’re at the point in camp where he should at least know most of the offense. It’s on him to take those next steps, and if you’re not getting those reps with some of the second stringers, it’s hard to really advance. You know, it’s not a shot at the third stringers, but the quality of play is obviously higher. So, I think that’s very much a clear indication that they want to see how he responds to a higher level of completion.”
Reyes on Allen starting the second preseason game against the Browns:
“Cleveland is going to be bringing their guys too, so if that were to happen, that would be a great test obviously. You know, it’s interesting because Josh – he has all the physical tools you want in a quarterback – it’s all about the decision making, the accuracy, and the decision making when those live bolts are flying, because that’s – you can practice against the same guys all the time, but when you go against opponents it’s a completely different game.”