Friday’s Buffalo Bills training camp session took place under cooler, cloudy skies after two days of heat. The team spent the two-hour practice focusing on third and medium situations during team drills.
Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich challenged his unit to improve on takeaways after only one in the first two days. “In two days, we have one takeaway which we are not happy with,” Babich said during his press conference. The defense responded with two interceptions by safety Taylor Rapp during team drills. Rapp’s first interception came in a 7-on-7 drill following an offensive miscommunication. “I got to see it on film, but I just feeling it right now. That a pretty good pick,” Rapp said during his appearance on One Bills Live.
Rapp’s second interception occurred in an 11-on-11 series when defensive end Joey Bosa pressured the quarterback into a high throw that Rapp caught. Now entering his third season with Buffalo and second as starting safety, Rapp discussed offseason work with fellow safety Cole Bishop at the team’s indoor facility in Orchard Park to build chemistry.
“I don’t think people really realize how close you guys got to be as a safety tandem. Obviously here the legacy of Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde, they’ve were together eight years, just the continuity that they had. I can’t say enough how important, how critical that is, to be on the same page with your guy,” Rapp explained.
Rapp described how he and Bishop simulated plays as a duo: “We really opened up our imagination and just tried to make it as difficult as we can when we’re running our drills out there, because you want it to be harder in the offseason, and you want it to be easier out on the football field when we’re actually going through that,” he said. “Just the first three days of practice we’re seeing a difference.”
Bishop appears more comfortable early this camp compared to last year when he missed time due to injury. “He knows he’s talented. He knows what expectations are although we deem his expectations, we make sure we temper those,” Babich said about Bishop. “When you take away that level of anxiety of performance and stay in your process, I think that’s where he’s grown the most.” Rapp added praise for Bishop’s preparation: “Cole’s had to do everything he had to do to earn his right and earn his playing time. He’s just done everything the right way.”
Quarterback Josh Allen stood out for accuracy throughout Friday’s session. Allen completed several challenging throws including off-platform passes and deep balls under pressure from defenders like Ed Oliver. His first pass was a sideline completion to Khalil Shakir past coverage; later he connected with tight end Dalton Kincaid over Cam Lewis for another gain.
Allen also linked up repeatedly with new receivers Joshua Palmer and Elijah Moore during drills; Palmer made a notable catch from the slot while Moore scored on a stop-and-go route late in practice.
The Bills’ defensive additions continued their integration into camp routines this week as coaches evaluated different position groups. Rookie cornerback Maxwell Hairston has faced rapid adjustments typical for newcomers; Babich emphasized staying present: “The biggest thing with those guys, and you get into this with the young guys specifically, is do not think ahead.” Babich also noted Hairston’s intentional approach toward improvement.
Veteran cornerback Tre’Davious White returned after spending last season elsewhere and broke up multiple passes Friday after allowing an earlier catch by Keon Coleman. “Tre’s on a mission right now,” Babich said regarding White’s focus following an offseason without injury setbacks.
Defensive end Joey Bosa recorded multiple pressures during practice; both Bosa and coaches highlighted ongoing efforts to manage his workload for long-term health across the season.“We just have an approach we’re going with Joey to make sure that we keep him healthy…we’re trying our best to do that, and we have a plan,” Babich shared.
