Buffalo, N.Y. (WGR 550) - "Just when I thought I was out, they pull me back in!" A great line from a not-so-great movie (Godfather Part III), but the appropriate line for me.
Just because I'm no longer on the morning show doesn't mean I won't still be involved with WGR. Of course, I will be picking the Bills all season, but I'll also be sharing my opinions on each game, including the ones that don't count in the standings.
For those that are wondering, yes, I still have my yellow legal pad to take notes. Here are some of my thoughts from the Bills' preseason opening win over the Indianapolis Colts at Highmark Stadium:
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No Allen or Diggs
The best news came in the days leading up to Saturday's game against Indianapolis when it was announced Josh Allen and Stefon Diggs would not be playing.
I'm all for the two most important players on the offense, and by extension the team, not getting a single snap in any of these three games.
Hamlin's return
How great was it to see Damar Hamlin playing again?
Just a little over seven months removed from nearly dying of cardiac arrest during a game, Hamlin got time on defense and special teams. He ended up with three tackles and appeared to be his normal self.
Eyes on the battle for CB2
It would seem Dane Jackson has the inside track to the starting job at cornerback opposite Tre'Davious White. Jackson was with the defensive starters on the Colts' opening series, and even recorded an interception.
Jackson played just five snaps on the day, as opposed to the two other players in the competition.
Both Kaiir Elam and Christian Benford were on the field for about 30 snaps. The Bills said they wanted to get a long look at both of those players, but the limited action could also mean they've decided, at least for now, that Jackson is the best man for the job.
Who starts at right guard?
The Bills also gave a long look to 2023 second-round draft pick O'Cyrus Torrence, who is trying to beat out incumbent Ryan Bates at starting right guard. Torrence started the game, and remained at guard when the No. 2 offensive line entered the contest.
Bates went in at center since he is the backup to Mitch Morse.
Inconsistencies from Shakir
Second-year wide receiver Khalil Shakir had mixed results on Saturday, similar to what his rookie campaign looked like.
Shakir made two outstanding catches on throws from Kyle Allen. He made a leaping, arms extended pluck to convert a 3rd-and-12. A few plays later on the same drive, against tight coverage, he showed strong hands and the ability to pluck the ball once again.
However, Shakir also had a bad drop on, what should have been a drive-extending third down conversion. Instead the Bills settled for a field goal.
That inconsistency hurt Shakir last season, and could mean fewer snaps as he battles with Trent Sherfield and Deonte Harty for playing time. Even so, Shakir will be one of the receivers the Bills keep on the 53-man roster.
Isabella making his case
Far from a lock for a roster spot is Andy Isabella, who was signed after training camp opened.
He has a number of players above him on the depth chart, but Isabella made a strong case for himself in this game. He had three catches for 42 yards, and showed off his speed - something the Bills wanted to add to their offense during the offseason. Isabella showed burst after making a catch, and the Bills are intent, once again, on improving their yards-after-catch numbers.
Isabella is still a long shot, but that speed, and the fact he got the majority of the returns in the game mean we should keep an eye on him.
What will we see of Kincaid?
We got a glimpse of what might be in store for 2023 first-round pick Dalton Kincaid.
This game wasn't about stats for him, as he didn't have a single target in his limited action. I was interested to see how the tight end would be used by offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey.
Kincaid was part of two tight end personnel with Dawson Knox. On one snap, he actually lined up outside as a wide receiver and motioned into the slot. On another snap he was the slot receiver.
The rookie has gotten rave reviews at training camp, and I'm looking forward to seeing how they use him this season.
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One down, two to go before it starts for real.
