Orchard Park, N.Y. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills officially closed out training camp in Orchard Park on Thursday. The first part of training camp was at St. John Fisher University before it moved back to Orchard Park.
Bills head coach Sean McDermott says he's been very impressed with how hard these his players have worked over the last several weeks. He believes the team is focused ahead of Saturday's preseason finale and heading into Week 1 of the regular season.
"There was no complaining when we asked the team to spend three nights in Pittsburgh for a practice and then a game. It was just like, 'This is what we’re doing,' and that starts with Josh’s leadership," said McDermott on Thursday ahead of practice at the stadium. "When players see him model that, they follow suite. It’s one thing for me to say something, but it’s another thing when Josh Allen says it, especially inside that locker room."
Von Miller hasn’t played in any preseason games, but he has participated in all of training camp. McDermott says he liked the progression from the grizzled veteran.
"I’ve liked the way we’ve managed his reps," he said of Miller. "It’s been very intentional and calculated with when he goes hard, and in addition to the hard work that Von’s put in here, I’ve seen a ratcheting up to his return to form.
"I’m sure he’d say he’s still working through some things and still trying to get back to where he wants to be, and that just comes over time. So I’m pleased to this point and excited where it’s going."
We all know that the Bills are going to have many new leaders this season with the number of veterans that are no longer with the team. Allen is, of course, the No. 1 leader, and McDermott knows it has to be that way.
"Josh has looked at it as a new opportunity, and somewhat of a new chapter. And with that, him taking even more ownership of his role on the football team, but also helping onboard these new players in how we do things, and schematically what we’re doing," McDermott said. "His connection to Joe [Brady] developing some of the new things we’re doing, and when you have that kind of ownership, the influence is felt."
It can’t be all Allen, though, and McDermott knows that too.
"When you have younger players being mentored by older players, you’re watching the leadership of those veteran players, and then you’re watching, at the same time, the development of these younger players that they are leading," McDermott noted.
"A great example of that is Taron Johnson, who I believe has risen to the challenge, similar to Josh, but now is his time to not only play well, but also to lead. We need to develop those leaders and empower them."
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Of all the injured players that the Bills have right now, McDermott says Matt Milano is the only one that definitely won’t play in the opener against the Arizona Cardinals. The rest of those injured still have a chance.
Tyler Bass has made all five of his field goals in the two preseason games, but still seems to be struggling at times in practice. McDermott doesn’t seem all that worried about his kicker.
"What I see right now is he’s striking the ball really well," McDermott noted. "Some of the kicks he’s been working on he wants back, for sure, but overall, I’m hoping to get some good kicks this weekend and he continues with getting back to form."
