The latest observations from training camp

Yesterday, I got to witness Bills Training Camp firsthand at St. John Fisher University. Here are some things that stood out to me from yesterday’s practice session:

Gabe Davis 

Davis impressed in practice yesterday. In one-on-one routes, he beat his man almost every time. His turns were tight, his feet were lightning quick, and he consistently created a lot of separation. After practice was over he was still putting in work by catching passes from the jugs machine.

When I saw Davis warming up on the side of the field, I shouted over to him that he had a big breakout year incoming. He responded by giving me a thumbs up, confirming that my statement was true.

All jokes aside though, Davis in particular stuck out a lot. Michael Robinson of NFL Network, who was on the scene at St. John Fisher Saturday, had a similar takeaway:

Isaiah McKenzie

McKenzie is another one that looks like he is absolutely poised and ready to take on a bigger role. He’s moving very well and his hands have improved a lot. He caught the only TD by Josh Allen towards the end of practice, and it was a laser beam in the back of the endzone:

McKenzie also made some nice grabs throughout practice. His route running is looking better and better, but his hands are what really impressed me. I think, at this moment, he may be looking at locking down that starting slot role while Crowder remains sidelined.

Shakir continues to impress

Bills fifth-round rookie Shakir is still having a really strong training camp. Everything that is thrown his way he appears to snag with ease. He was running several routes and looked very sharp and crisp. That’s something you love to see from the young wide receiver who is making a good impression with the coaching staff:

Defensive line looking dominant

The first team d-line, consisting of Miller, Oliver, Phillips and Rousseau, was looking explosive during the scrimmage portion of practice. They were getting consistent pressure and constantly beating their matchups. Revamping the d-line was a focal point coming into the season, so this is definitely something good to see. Phillips in particular looked very good as he was constantly getting into the backfield on drop backs. On one occasion, he maybe got a little too close to QB Case Keenum, which resulted in Josh Allen starting to bark at him. 

The d-line continues to impress throughout camp and they should get better with each practice together.

QB play

This may surprise no one, but during drills where they were passing the ball deep, Allen was consistently putting the ball on the money for his receivers. 

On the final drive, Allen went back to his bread and butter with short, quick passes. This led a march down the field and he capped it off with the TD to McKenzie in the back of the endzone. 

Keenum looked very sharp in yesterday’s practice, making some great sideline throws into contested coverage. He looked comfortable in the pocket and it’s great to see him back with Stefon Diggs. 

End of practice skirmish 

As everyone is aware of by now, there was a brief skirmish at the end of practice yesterday. On the final play of practice as Allen was going into the end zone, Phillips gave him an extra bump after the whistle. Allen did not appreciate it and he quickly turned around and shoved Phillips back, causing a fight amongst several players. It was then quickly broken apart. While the crowd was in a silent state of shock to begin, that silence quickly turned to cheers as Allen and the rest of the team came jogging off the field and on to the line to do sprints. Stuff like this happens very often throughout the NFL during camp. With it being the first day with pads, everybody was amped up and ready to go. 

Allen took to twitter on Sunday to explain that the scuffle at the end of practice was “all love”:

The Bills return to practice on Monday, August 1 and we are now less than 40 days away from opening night. Go Bills!