Pittsford, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen loves training camp, as it marks the start of a new football season. Allen is having a good start on the field after three days at St. John Fisher University.
"It’s my favorite time of the year. You get to hang with the boys in the dorm rooms, play card games," said Allen during the first week of training camp in the Rochester area.
When Allen takes the field and when he leaves the field, the fans in attendance go absolutely wild. He was humble when asked if he enjoys his rock star status.
"I remember being that kid looking up to somebody in my position. Whether it’s a quick fist bump or a high five, or sign some things, I try to go around and give high fives to everybody that showed up, just to thank them for coming out and showing their support," Allen said.
Mack Hollins has spent six seasons in the NFL with the Atlanta Falcons, Los Angeles Raiders, Miami Dolphins and Philadelphia Eagles. He’s only had one season where he’s had more than 18 catches, and that was 2022 when he had 57 receptions with the Raiders.
Despite that, he’s one of the most talked about receivers during this year’s training camp. Allen says he’s still trying to build a chemistry with him.
"If you saw me throwing it after with Mack Hollins, I can’t throw the ball high enough," Allen said of the 6-foot-4 wideout. "Even if I get him jumping, it’s still not where I want it, so I have to keep getting it as high as possible and create as much separation as I can, and utilize his height so he can go up and catch a ball. So it’s something we’re going to keep working on, because I really haven’t had guys of that stature in the past. It’s going to take some adjusting to get used to, but I’m excited nonetheless."
Allen has a lot of new guys to throw to with Stefon Diggs, Gabe Davis, Deonte Harty and Trent Sherfield now gone. Allen says it’s a process that’s been ongoing since they stated OTAs.
"It's just repetition, it's learning on the fly, but making sure that we're adapting as we go," he said.
"We’ve got a lot of smart guys, especially in that receiver room. They’re guys that want to work hard that are continuing to get better each and every day."
Allen says he knows that training camp is the time to build their identity as they get on the field to learn who they are.
One thing I found interesting watching practice on Wednesday was after every touchdown, Allen and the offense went into full celebration mode. He says offensive coordinator Joe Brady encourages that.
"It’s what coach Brady teaches, and he wants us to go out there and execute," Allen said. "It’s not easy to score touchdowns in this league, so when we get in there, let's celebrate. It’s a big moment that helps our team win football games, and we should be excited about those.
"It’s also celebrating with your teammates, more importantly. Not just someone going out there and doing his own thing, get everybody involved, which helps team comradery. It gets linemen excited to go and spike the football, and everybody wants to get in the end zone."
The Bills are off at St. John Fisher University on Saturday, but will be back on the field at 9:45 a.m. ET on Sunday.
