Allen-to-Brown combo on full display Saturday at Bills training camp

Pittsford, NY (WGR 550) - Through the first three days of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher College, wide receiver John Brown continues to be impressive and in a variety of ways.

First, it was his ability to get separation in the red zone and tight quarters off the line of scrimmage, even though he's 5' 11" and plays mainly on the outside, which I noted on Thursday.  

I'm very impressed with John Brown's ability to get open in red zone work. #NotJustADeepThreatGuy

His route running was also impressive though the first two practices. He displays good body control and footwork in and out of his breaks.

"John's a great pro," offensive coordinator Brian Daboll said before Saturday's practice. "You know, there's different forms of receivers. Some guys are just exclusively shifty guys that you can use and manipulate in the slot, and move around, and other guys have shiftiness but they also have speed. And even though John's a little shorter, he has very good vertical speed, but he also has great balance and body control. The ability to break down and cut, as compared to [Cole Beasley>, who's got good speed, but not I would say John Brown speed, who's a speeder, who's shifty, and you can use him in different roles. John has flexibility to play inside and outside."

That vertical speed was on full display at Saturday's practice. In the first day of pads and live contact, quarterback Josh Allen took several deep shots to Brown in both 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills against the defense. Brown made two excellent catches, tracking the ball over his shoulder and bringing it in, both for huge gains.  

John Brown is a really good football player. If he can stay healthy he will be a huge benefit to this offense and Josh Allen.

Brown has been the most impressive offensive player, for me, so far through the first three days of camp.  

Here are some other notes and observations from Saturday's practice:

Ford starts again:

For the third straight day, rookie Cody Ford got the start at right tackle. It's looking more and more like it's becoming his spot to lose. Ty Nsekhe, however, did rotate in at the spot with the starters the the offense ran plays against air and no defense. 

The right guard battle:

If there is one spot on the offensive line that looks to have a real battle going on, it's right guard. Jon Feliciano was back to starting there on Saturday after Spencer Long got the nod on Friday. The two have been flopping each day so far. Long also moved over to left guard during the "no defense" portion, replacing Quinton Spain, who has been a constant starter on the left side every day.

Defensive Lineup:

The defense has remained the same since OTAs and minicamp, with no notable movement as far as starters. Levi Wallace continues to get the start at cornerback opposite Tre'Davious White.

Here is how the second-team defense looked Saturday:

• DT - Ed Oliver, Harrison Phillips
• DE - Shaq Lawson, Mike Love
• LB - Julian Stanford, Corey Thompson, Maurice Alexander
• CB - E.J. Gaines, Kevin Johnson
• S - Kurt Coleman, Dean Marlowe

Injury update:

Towards the end of practice, tight end Dawson Knox came off the field limping. Trainers appeared to be looking at his right leg. He stayed on the sidelines and had his helmet in his hand, but never went back in for any action.

Up next:

The Bills will hold another practice Sunday at 9:45 a.m. It is open to the public, but a ticket is required to attend. Head coach Sean McDermott will meet with the media at 9:15 a.m.