Buffalo Bills: Things We Know This Week

They refer to it as the most realistic, paramount, somewhat “game planned” first halves of pro football throughout the pre-season games. Predominantly quarter number one and two of pre-season game number three could indeed be referred to as “watchable” football.

This pre-season has been unique in that the Buffalo Bills offence seemed to have life at times in the first two games, both with the starters contributions as well as the two’s and three’s. Most years the first two games can be so unorganized on offence that you could suggest it to be unwatchable. You may struggle through it strictly to catch a glimpse of a hopeful draft pick of free agent signing that you are curious about.

So, in review the first two preseason games are just a dress rehearsal consisting of many quarters of football being played by players that will never play real games in the NFL. The proven players are basically stretching their legs in one or possibly two possession changes. The fourth game is to make huge decisions on what no name player goes to the practice squad and important decisions about cutting of the punters and kickers brought in for either competition or just to fill a spot during camp. That is if those cuts were not already handled. So, game four is to be played very delicately to avoid injury for any true NFL hopefuls. Only starters that are behind schedule or need a little fine tuning may even dress that game. So, enjoy the game this Sunday late afternoon/evening. 

How does Josh Allen do against the first team defenders which the Cincinnati Bengals have some nice talent coming his way? At the same time, I also am intrigued to witness him alongside the Bills starters. Was that one and one A? Let it be. 

The second focus point will be exactly how big of a welcome does Andy Dalton receive?  How long does it last if he engineers a drive or two resulting in Bengal points?  Is it unconditionally welcomed because the game is meaningless?  Or is the friendliness limited to only when he does thongs helping the Bills?

I guess I developed a question unintentionally. Why not reduce the preseason games down to two games? One home and one on the road.

Some knowledgeable NFL sources have suggested no preseason games similar to the NCAA seasons which are extremely successful without these drawn out preseason fake games. Games that are not treated as meaningful games in preparation, play calling, winning desire and who is representing the teams on the field. The money made on parking, tickets, food and beverage and team accessories do not attack your wallet like a third stringer or undrafted walk on. College needs to focus on fixing the playoff format to ensure the top teams are playing. They need a training camp and I am not embracing to lose the preseason games. I am thinking that two games would be perfect. Less Injuries, less wasted down time protecting certain players from certain things, etc. If exhibition games between close driving training camps are up to the teams if they want other teams involved. But four games where they play a no game plan vanilla don’t show anything stay healthy no starters past third possession playing totally different every way than when it matters.

“I just heard that coach McDermott plans to keep the starters in for more than a half.” I heard loud, but not shouting.

“Negative Stanley”, wearing his Andy Dalton Texas Christian University authentic jersey, signed by Dalton, walked in to the chiropractor proudly.  “I will say this on record right now in front of all of you.  I will be at the game Sunday and if I see Allen play more than two full halves of football, I will no absolutely if he is a franchise quarterback or at least a solid starter and no t a bust or career journeymen.”

Was this a bet? I did not hear a bet. He turned around, exited the building and hopped back on his Mo-ped which I am sure Dalton loves that people see his college jersey cruising throughout town on a mid-1980’s mo-ped.  I must admit, it is indeed a sweet ride.   If you were in Paris.

Things we know about the Buffalo Bills this week:

• Kyle Williams is week to week and that as far as the coaching staff will go. They refuse to speculate and just repeat how confident they are in his ability to heal fast based on conditioning and determination. Coach Sean McDermott was asked about William’s availability for week one. Week to week….Always willing to offer up inside information to key journalists with integrity. 

• Quarterback A.J. McCarron is day to day. I will spare you of the entire drill that I engaged in for Williams. McCarron is not confirmed or denied being still involved in the three-way competition for the starting QB position on the Bills. He is day to day.  

• Josh Allen made it clear to the media that he is not taking this week starting position lightly by any meand whatsoever.  He is saying all of the right things. Coaches are stating he studies and leaners and gets better daily. Being coachable is huge when you are at this level especially with so much talent. Being one of the smarter players and hardest working players combined with his pure athletic abilities makes a success story of Allen so intriguing. If he turns out to be a franchise quarterback, he could turn out to be a hall of fame franchise quarterback based purely on talent and athletic ability.  It shall be a very interesting game Sunday when Dalton comes to town.

• Leslie Frazier has one little technique he challenges all the players that he coaches on his defense to address. In addition to all day to day studying and reps needed to succeed, he also always asks the players to find one thing big or small and make it a point to improve in that specific area. The entire team should try that approach. If they all keep doing that you are bound to eventually become a winner unless all those players are cut before the players are all clicking on all cylinders.

–Scott Bryk is a contributing writer for Full Press Coverage and covers the Buffalo Bills. Make sure to follow Scott on Twitter at @skotbrick and @FPC_Bills for Bills coverage.