Buffalo Bills Training Camp: Josh Allen's Growth and Impressive Performances Highlight Day 2 Observations
ICARO Media Group
In the second day of training camp for the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Josh Allen's growth and standout performances from his new targets took center stage. Offensive coordinator Joe Brady witnessed a significant transformation in Allen, who has evolved into a vocal leader and a teacher on the field.
Brady recalls asking Allen for his insights on the team's offensive strategies when he joined as the quarterbacks coach in 2022. Now, Allen not only shares his perspective during team film sessions but also takes charge, stopping the tape to point out specific details to his receivers. This growth in communication has been a delight for Brady, who can now take a step back and allow Allen to take the lead.
One of Allen's newest targets, Curtis Samuel, showcased his versatility during Thursday's practice. The offseason discussions centered around where Samuel would fit on offense, whether in the slot or out wide. However, his performance on the field demonstrated that the possibilities are endless. Samuel made impressive catches, including a deep pass from Allen that resulted in a touchdown-like play.
Fellow receiver Khalil Shakir commended Samuel's ability to make things happen whenever he has the ball, regardless of his position on the field. Shakir expressed admiration for Samuel's decision-making and often seeks his insights when they are not on the field together.
Another standout receiver, Mack Hollins, not only impressed during team drills but also spent extra time after practice to work on his game. Named as one of Brady's favorite people he has ever met, Hollins has become a fan favorite and a leader in the receiver room. His ability to get open, coupled with his excellent hands, made him a reliable target for Allen.
On the defensive side, rookie running back Ray Davis had a mixed day. While he fumbled a pitch from Allen on his first snap, he recovered and showcased his athleticism with strong runs later in practice. Davis's burst near the line of scrimmage caught the attention of the coaching staff, despite the initial mishap.
The day also saw defensive players Mike Edwards and Dawaune Smoot get their shot with the first-team defense. Edwards made an impressive tackle while being slightly held, and Smoot recorded a sack against Ryan Van Demark. The performances of these players bring depth and competition to the defensive unit.
Undrafted free agent cornerbacks Keni-H Lovely and Te'Cory Couch continue to make their presence felt during camp. With the depth at the cornerback position in question, their pass breakups and swagger on the field make them key players to watch during the preseason.
Rookie tackles Travis Clayton and Tylan Grable made solid impressions during team drills. Clayton, a seventh-round pick from the United Kingdom, showed comfort in his role and effectively handled a safety blitz. Grable displayed his prowess at left tackle, shutting down defensive end Casey Toohill on one play.
Finally, concerns were raised about La'el Collins' ability to perform at right tackle. Although Collins has shown consistency at left guard, his struggles on the edge were evident during practice. With his 31st birthday approaching, it may be in Collins' best interest to focus on securing a roster spot as a guard.
The defensive line also made its mark during the training camp sessions. Greg Rousseau batted down a pass from Allen early on, while Ed Oliver demonstrated his dominance with a tackle for loss. Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich expressed his appreciation for Oliver's efforts by personally acknowledging him.
As the Buffalo Bills continue their training camp, the growth of Josh Allen and impressive performances from new targets like Curtis Samuel and Mack Hollins provide optimism for the team's upcoming season. The development of rookie players and the ongoing competition on both sides of the ball signal a promising future for the Bills.