McDermott and Beane maintaining same high standard for Bills

75756A5E-120A-4932-810C-2FD980DB785E

Despite no on-field work the entire offseason and the uncertainties still surrounding each day, Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane both made it clear Sunday that they still have the same high standards and expectations for their team when it comes to practices and preparing for the 2020 season.

"At the end of the day, we still have to hold ourselves to a high standard," Beane told reporters via a Zoom conference call Sunday morning. "Nothing's changed here. We expect playoff caliber practices." 

After the general manager spoke for about a half hour, it was the head coach's turn to answer questions. McDermott echoed that same sentiment, saying he hasn't lowered his standards of expectations of the quality of football on the field or preparation from anyone in the building.

"I've been very impressed with the standard that I've seen to this point, and I expect that to be carried through," he said.

Both acknowledged the challenges their team, and everyone else around the league, faces as teams open training camp amid the COVID-19 pandemic. McDermott described it as a riddle they have to solve every day. 

"We just have to find a way to control the controllables," he said. "I don't like to use the word 'different.' That's got a negative connotation to it. We adjust." 

As far as making sure players and staff are all doing what's necessary to prevent an outbreak amongst the team, McDermott said it's up to everyone to hold each other accountable, but added that's something that's always been a part of their messaging, anyway, since he arrived in Buffalo over three years ago.

"We really haven't had to change our messaging, because we [already] talk a lot about accountability, respect for one another, and love for one another," he said. "We have to make decisions that aren't going to let you or your family down." 
  • Cornerback E.J. Gaines opts-out

Beane told reporters that cornerback E.J. Gaines has elected to opt out on the season, becoming the second player on the team do to so, joining defensive tackle Star Lotulelei. Gaines was signed to a one-year deal this offseason to compete for the cornerback spot opposite Tre'Davious White, and also had position flexibility to play inside.

  • All players are present

Beane confirmed that all players on the current 80-man active roster have reported for camp.

Follow me on Twitter: @SalSports

Camp sponsors

https://www3.mtb.com/https://www.whatsyouroutlet.com/https://www.fiegelcarr.com/https://www.mercedesbenzbuffalo.com/