The Buffalo Bills held their fourth training camp practice on Sunday, with players participating in lighter drills under varying weather conditions. The team focused on building upon last season’s successes and addressing areas for improvement.
Buffalo’s offense is aiming to advance after a record-breaking 2024 season that saw quarterback Josh Allen named MVP and the offensive line allowing the fewest sacks in the league. Center Connor McGovern said, “We all want to take that next step forward because we didn’t finish off the year the right way, the way we wanted to. So, I think we’re really feeding off that and just continue to that next stride. Make sure the whole offense is just one unit, not just the offensive line. Josh is doing a great job being with us. I think we’re just ready to take that next step forward.”
McGovern transitioned from guard to center last season and continues to develop his partnership with Allen: “He’s given me a lot more control, like in the run game, pass game, a lot more comfortable,” McGovern said of he and Allen’s relationship. “Just turn around talking to us, he’s not as hands on. He would let me take a little bit of control and I think that’s just the comfort with each other and just taking the next step.”
Wide receiver Khalil Shakir also seeks improvement after catching 76 passes for 821 yards and four touchdowns last year. He noted his focus this offseason: “First step quickness, always trying to improve on that,” Shakir said of what he worked on this offseason. “Speed, just withholding speed for a certain amount of time and that quick burst, as well as separation. Just finding new ways and new releases to get open against man coverage.” Shakir emphasized teamwork remains central: “For me, it’s not a one season thing, one game thing, or one time thing,” Shakir explained. “I think it’s an every year thing, every game thing, every practice thing. Where for us, we’re not out there as individuals, we’re out there as a team. We’re out there as all 11 guys on the field who all have to do their job in order for that specific play to work…it’s beautiful to see unfold when you do it the right way.”
Special teams coordinator Chris Tabor is adapting quickly in his first year with Buffalo after joining from Carolina earlier this year. Tabor commented on his experience so far: “This is a special place,” Tabor explained. “It really is. And what they’ve built here with coach (McDermott) and Brandon (Beane), it’s second to none. You can feel that. I’ve been in a lot of places and grateful to be here.” He has spent time studying recent changes in kickoff rules during his break from coaching: “I was able to, on my time, really study the new kickoff rule,” Tabor explained. “What are guys doing? What’s the trend? And then you get ideas, right…Now we’re into it and I know what our guys can and cannot do and what we’re trying to get done so it’s kind of coming full circle.”
Tabor addressed competition at punter following Jake Camarda’s release before camp began; Brad Robbins remains but must still compete for his spot: “That’s kind of the world that we’re in with the 90 and injuries and those types of things,” Tabor said of the release. “It’s still competition. Brad has not won this job, he’s still competing, he understands that. You never know if Jake comes back, and Jake needs to be ready. And he will, he’s a good pro. They both did a really nice job in the spring and it’s always tough to make those decisions but I like both of them.” On Robbins’ performance so far: “I think he does a nice job with his direction and hang,” Tabor shared. “He had a nice day the other day,and hopefully he can continue build on those things.”
Returner competition continues among several players including Brandon Codrington who returned punts (27 for 313 yards) and kickoffs (11 for 306 yards) last season.Tabor described roster decisions as challenging:”It’s always hard,”Tabor explained.”I think as special teams coach,you’re reading tea leaves.Our goal is I want them make our team.If they don’t make our team,I want them make somebody else’s team.And that’s what we’re working towards.”
During practice sessions,the defense secured multiple turnovers.Linebacker Shaq Thompson tipped a pass leading Baylon Spector intercepting.Rookie Jordan Hancock forced fumble recovered by Damar Hamlin assisted by rookie defensive tackle T.J.Sanders.Cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram made interception against tight end during red zone period,later breaking up another pass.Wide receiver Keon Coleman recorded several notable catches including two touchdown receptions from Josh Allen.
In terms of player status,tight end Dawson Knox(hamstring)and wide receiver Laviska Shenault(lower leg strain)returned after missing initial practices due injury.Other absentees included offensive linemen Spencer Brown(back),Sedrick Van Pran-Granger(calf),linebacker Terrel Bernard(hamstring),wide receivers Curtis Samuel(hamstring),Elijah Moore(general leg soreness),and cornerback Taron Johnson(veteran rest).Tyrell Shavers left practice early due ankle injury.
