Pittsford, N.Y. (WGR 550) - Maybe it's some sort of disrespect card. Maybe it's based on scheme or philosophy.
Whatever it is, one thing that has really stood out so far through three Buffalo Bills training camp practices is how aggressive their defensive backs have been, and the resulting plays they are making on the ball.
That continued Tuesday at St. John Fisher University in Pittsford.
It's not just the starting secondary or the usual suspects, either. It's up-and-down the roster, main players and reserves.
Nick McCloud put up two interceptions on Monday, while Dane Jackson had another one, and Cam Lewis had an outstanding day.
Related
It was first-round pick Kaiir Elam, Siran Neal, and Damar Hamlin that stood out on Tuesday, making some notable plays.
Hamlin had a highlight-reel-worthy interception in one-on-one drills, batting a ball and then hauling it in.
Neal was excellent in coverage almost every time I saw him get a chance to be in that position. Not necessarily known for his coverage skills, the special teams ace was sticky and aggressive, whether in one-on-one drills or 11-on-11.
Elam went one-on-one with Stefon Diggs, something we've seen quite a bit of through the first few days.
The 21-year-old had excellent coverage along the sidelines about 15 yards downfield. Quarterback Josh Allen put the ball on Diggs, but Elam was there to make a play on it. Both players grabbed the ball simultaneously and it was tough to see who actually had possession as they rode each other out of bounds. Once out of bounds, Diggs let go and Elam continue to cradle the ball. Diggs stared back at him and said something on his way back to the huddle.
It was a cool, competitive moment between the two.
McCloud and wide receiver Marquez Stevenson also got into it a bit after a play that McCloud had tight coverage and forced an incompletion.
Cooking defenders
While I would say the defense had a better day overall, the offense still had their share of highlights and big plays.
This included rookie running back James Cook, who took a pass out of the backfield and made a couple incredible cuts to leave defenders behind him, as he was off to the races.
Devin Singletary also had a couple nice catch-and-runs out of the backfield, albeit there are no pads on yet and the defense is not tackling anyone.
Allen also hooked up with Gabriel Davis for a beautiful throw-and-catch, floating it over Elam's head perfectly into the arms of Davis before he stepped out of bounds.
On the offensive line, while Rodger Saffold continues to be out with rib injuries, David Quessenberry has been getting some time in his place at guard, while also seeing reps at tackle along with Tommy Doyle and Spencer Brown.
Hold on
It was a big day for punter Matt Araiza as a holder, which is a big focus of what he'll have to be able to do in order to secure a spot on the team.
Towards the end of practice, kicker Tyler Bass attempted six different field goal attempts. Araiza was the holder for each. Bass nailed them from 25, 33, 33, 43, 43, and 53 yards away.
The hold looked good on each one.
Participation report
Once again, wide receiver Jamison Crowder did not practice, as he deals with tightness. Wide receiver Jake Kumerow also did not participate on Tuesday with, what general manager Brandon Beane called, "soreness."
Defensive end Von Miller appeared to have a rest day, as he stood off to the side and watched.
----------
The team will be back on the practice field Wednesday for another 9:45 a.m. ET start at St. John Fisher University. It is an open practice to the public, but a ticket is needed to attend.
Follow me on Twitter: @SalSports
