Pittsburgh, Pa. (WGR Sports Radio 550) - The Buffalo Bills visit the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday night in the second preseason game for both clubs at Acrisure Stadium.
Here are five things to watch for the Bills:
1.) Dorian Williams
With linebacker Matt Milano out indefinitely with a bicep injury, the focus is squarely on Williams as the new starter at weakside linebacker.
The second-year player showed terrific athleticism and speed in his rookie season, but he is still learning the nuances of the position. Every rep he gets from here on out will be extremely valuable.
Related
2.) Wide receiver
Curtis Samuel, Keon Coleman, Khalil Shakir, and Mack Hollins are (in no particular order) the clear top-four on the wide receiver depth chart. After that, there are several players who are looking to stand out to ultimately make the team.
Tyrell Shavers and Marquez Valdes-Scanting appear to have a bit of a jump on the others, including K.J. Hamler and Andy Isabella, who is making a strong push. But the bottom of the position is very fluid.
3.) Returner
Speaking of Hamler and Isabella, they are right in the middle of a battle to see who will be the main kick and punt returners for the Bills.
Hamler had a couple chances last week along with cornerback Daequan Hardy. Isabella may get some opportunities this week.
No one has separated themselves as the clear front runner for the job yet. That could happen Saturday night.
4.) The secondary
The Bills are still dealing with quite a few injuries in their secondary, particularly at safety, where Cole Bishop and Mike Edwards have been out for several weeks.
Although the starters are scheduled to play about a quarter-and-a-half, head coach Sean McDermott may elect not to play Taylor Rapp very much, if at all, in order to protect the position a little more. The group is thin, and the team needs to see where they stand heading into the final couple weeks of preseason.
5.) Urgency and energy
This is a big-picture issue, and something to watch for on Saturday night.
It certainly wasn’t to the standard McDermott hoped for, or expected last week against the Chicago Bears. McDermott would love to see his team - especially the starters - start the game with the kind of energy and urgency that could translate into the regular season.
