Pittsford, N.Y. (WGR 550) - One day after being visibly frustrated with the offense’s performance - and maybe even his own - Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen had nothing to be upset about, and every reason to smile on Wednesday at training camp at St. John Fisher University.
The team was mostly in the red zone, when it came to offense against defense and 11-on-11, and Allen was absolutely dialed in from the start and throughout, hitting touchdown after touchdown to various receivers.
Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, Dawson Knox, and Isaiah McKenzie were among those who made big catches in the end zone, often from passes that threaded the needle or otherwise were just perfectly placed by Allen.
Welcome to the NFL, rookie
It wasn’t just passes that got the ball over the goal line during the red zone period.
Running back Devin Singletary got in on the act when he took a handoff around the corner for a score. On the play, rookie cornerback Kaiir Elam had outside contain as the last defender and no receiver to his side. He squeezed towards the end of the line of scrimmage and took one step inside after he saw it coming his way. Singletary made him pay and beat him around the edge.
Diggs vs. Elam - Round 2
Diggs and Elam tussled for a ball during Tuesday's practice that ultimately wound up with Diggs staring down the rookie and saying something to him on his way back to the huddle.
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That battle not only continued on Wednesday, but got a little bit more heated. On the very first rep of 1-on-1 drills, Elam was covering Diggs. He had tight coverage, which wound up probably being too tight and appeared to be holding Diggs a little.
The pass from Allen ultimately sailed over their heads and incomplete, partly because of Elam holding onto Diggs. Right after that, Diggs grabbed Elam and they were basically hugging each other and facemask-to-facemask, barking at one another. One of the other defensive backs stepped in-between them to make sure it didn't go any further.
The two faced each other again shortly after, and this time Diggs beat the rookie cleanly 1-on-1 for a catch. Elam didn't even look back at him and just jogged back to his spot in line.
Siran Neal... defender?
Neal is listed on the roster as a cornerback. That's his natural position when he plays defense. However, he hardly sees time on that side of the ball. He is a terrific special teams player, and usually only plays defense if there are several injuries ahead of him.
If he keeps defending the way he has through the first four days, though, that could change in 2022.
Neal has been excellent in coverage both in 1-on-1 and team drills. He was even able to stick with Diggs down the field on a deep ball and 1-on-1 drills, and ultimately batted it away for an incompletion.
The 27-year-old still has his limitations as a defender. He’s much better going straight forward or back then he is lateral and having to stay with receivers who have quick feet, and use them to change direction in their routes. For example, he was also matched up against Diggs in 11-on-11 and got beat after Diggs made one cut inside and one cut outside.
Overall, Neal has certainly held his own throughout the first four days. If he can carry that over and continue to cover that well, it would be an absolutely huge benefit to this defense, especially as they wait for cornerback Tre'Davious White to return from the PUP list.
Don’t forget about Moss
With the addition of James Cook and even Duke Johnson, it seems like Zack Moss has been the forgotten man in the Buffalo backfield. I like the way he's looked over the first four days.
Moss seems to be fresh and comfortable in the offense. He is still going to be a factor when it comes to roster decisions, and should certainly not be counted out to be on the final 53.
Participation
For a third-straight day, wide receiver Jamison Crowder did not participate. That doesn't bode well for him early-on in camp with so much competition going on at the position. However, it's early and there's plenty of time for him to get back on the field and make an impression.
Wide receiver Jake Kumerow also missed his second-straight day.
Offensive lineman Ryan Bates did not participate on Wednesday. We have also yet to see offensive tackle Spencer Brown take any 11-on-11 work, even though he's dressed and practicing.
Defensive tackle DaQuan Jones appeared to have a rest day on Wednesday.
Next up
The team will have their first off-day on Thursday. They'll be back on the practice field Friday at 9:45 a.m. ET. The practice is open to the public, but a ticket is required to attend.
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