Despite winning 13 regular season games, advancing to the AFC Championship Game and finishing near the top in a lot of statistical categories on offense in 2020, one area both the Buffalo Bills offense and defense could improve on this season is their overall performances in the red zone.
Last year, the Bills offense finished 13th in the league in red zone efficiency, converting 61.76% of trips inside their opponents’ 20-yard line into touchdowns. They were fifth-worst in the league (28th overall) at stopping other teams from scoring touchdowns, doing it only 65.28% of the time inside the red zone.
Getting both units better in that area was already a priority on Day 1 of training camp, as the team hit the field for the first time on Wednesday morning just outside the ADPRO Sports Training Center in Orchard Park.
While they went through their normal individual positional drills, as well as offensive, defensive, and special teams work, there was plenty of 7-on-7, as well as 11-on-11 red zone work.
Players are not allowed to wear shoulder pads yet, so there was no live tackling, but plenty of plays were made by each side, as both groups tried to win the day.
Bills starting quarterback Josh Allen misfired on a couple early throws into the end zone, but also fit some perfectly placed balls into tight windows for scores to several different players, including one to wide receiver Cole Beasley that split two defenders.
Backup quarterback Mitchell Trubisky started training camp where he left off minicamp, by having an excellent day and showing why the Bills made it a priority to sign the former second overall pick in 2017 as a free agent. Trubisky continued to show patience and accuracy, including a touchdown strike to wide receiver Gabriel Davis, but also showed off his athletic ability on several runs.
There is a noticeable difference between Trubisky's ability to move versus former backup quarterback Matt Barkley. That should give offensive coordinator Brian Daboll confidence that he doesn’t have to change the playbook much if Trubisky ever has to go in for Allen.
Another standout performer on the offensive side was running back Matt Breida, who showed off his quick-cutting ability, even in small spaces.
There’s been a lot of talk for several months about the battle for the No. 2 cornerback spot, opposite Tre’Davious White. Levi Wallace, who has started the last two-and-a-half years there, and Dane Jackson, who really impressed in his limited action last season as a rookie, both had nice pass breakups at or near the end zone that prevented touchdowns.
Other notes:
- Defensive end Jerry Hughes suffered a calf strain while training over the summer and started camp on the Non-Football Injury List, but general manager Brandon Beane noted that it’s “nothing major.”
- Offensive linemen Dion Dawkins and Ike Boettger both tested positive for COVID-19 and have been placed on the Reserve/COVID-19 list.
- Reggie Gilliam is, once again, listed as a fullback on the team’s official roster. He started as a fullback last training camp, but moved to tight end where he played all season.
- Every offensive and defensive linemen wore, what appeared to be, an extra padded shell on top of their helmets. It’s the first time we’ve seen something like that, most likely an added layer of protection even through the practices where there is no live tackling and less contact overall.
----------
The team will be back on the field Thursday at 10 a.m. ET.
Sponsored by:
Jim's Steakout:
Outlet Liquor:
Fiegel, Carr and Joyce:
Follow me on Twitter: @SalSports