Buffalo Bills Training Camp Pressers: Day 1 Recap

The Buffalo Bills are finally back after a long-awaited off-season from the NFL Draft to free agent signings to all the off-season talk, football is back. Today (7/26/23) is the first official day of the Bills training camp at St.John Fisher University in Rochester, New York. The Bills held multiple press conferences with the media today starting with head coach Sean McDermott to general manager Brandon Beane and many players mixed in between, this is a recap of all of the press conferences. 

Sean McDermott 

Sean McDermott had his press conference with the media at 9:00 A.M. EST, McDermott started off his presser by saying, Stefon Diggs is in a “good spot” and is ready to practice. McDermott later stated the injury status of Tyler Matakevich, saying he has a calf injury which is why he is starting training camp on the PUP (physically unable to perform) list. McDermott also released great news by saying Damar Hamlin is “full-go” heading into this year’s training camp after what happened back in January. 

Sean McDermott later talked about the state of the MLB (middle linebacker) situation saying ideally he’d like for the MLB to call plays on the defensive side of the ball. The Bills have competition at the MLB position with guys such as Tyrel Dotson, Dorian Williams, Terrel Bernard and Baylon Spector, just to name a few. McDermott is fully confident in Gabe Davis’ ability to perform this season and he’s confident that Von Miller will be ready to go. 

Josh Allen 

Josh Allen started off his press conference with the media by saying how “crucial” it is to build camaraderie with the team and being at St.John Fisher University definitely helps build that. Allen stated that his relationship with wide receiver Stefon Diggs is all “organic.” Allen said that newly acquired receivers, Trent Sherfield, can “switch around from Z and X” and Deonte Harty can be more of a slot guy or you can “throw him in the X for a big play, he can kinda be the gadget guy.” 

Josh Allen said that today wasn’t perfect for the offense, talking about how he missed a couple throws but they will get things straightened out. Allen also said they need to make sure to hold onto the football to lower the amount of turnovers and to finish in the red zone. Lastly Allen said first round draft pick, tight end, Dalton Kincaid is a fun target to throw to and stating he will get opportunities. 

Von Miller

Von Miller started his presser by saying that he feels really good (in regards to his knee injury suffered last season) and that he wanted to avoid the PUP list but he’s happy that he is making progress. Miller said he wants to get back on the field when he feels confident and when it matters most. Miller said he loves the addition of DE Leonard Floyd (Miller played with Floyd on the Rams) and that Floyd is a great player. Later Miller went on to say that the Bills have a great DE room with guys like Greg Rousseau, Boogie Basham and A.J. Epenesa. 

Von Miller said Sean McDermott is a great head coach and will be a great defensive coordinator this coming season. Miller said Shane Ray is his true brother and that they’ve been through a lot together including a Super Bowl. Miller talked about the defensive line coaches and how they do a great job and that “bleeds” on everybody. 

Mitch Morse 

Mitch Morse talked about how he has to get used to the guys next to him on the OL (offensive line), the Bills made many additions and changes will be made on the interior of the Bills offensive line. Morse said the OL battle will play itself out. Morse also said that the OL needs to make the running plays count, the Bills aren’t known for a stellar running game but with an improved OL the Bills can definitely up their production. Morse touched on how talented newly acquired guard Connor McGovern is very talented. 

Stefon Diggs 

Stefon Diggs started off by saying that he is looking forward to football and focusing on winning. Diggs said that all the things that happened over the past several months from the Bengals loss to minicamp most recently is “water under the bridge” and that it was a “family matter.” Diggs said that he never wanted more say in the offense and he is confident in Ken Doresy, he likes the energy that Doresy brought year one. 

Stefon Diggs on Josh Allen: “That’s my guy”, Diggs said that they never didn’t get along. When asked about retiring a Buffalo Bill Diggs replied, “100 percent.” Diggs later talked a little bit about rookie tight end Dalton Kincaid and said Gabe Davis will have a breakout year. Stefon Diggs wrapped up his presser talking about how good it was to see Damar Hamlin going to his charity game and running around.  

Brandon Beane

Brandon Beane started his press conference saying that Stefon Diggs is competitive and that Diggs just wants to win. Beane said Diggs’ situation was never really a concern and Beane has a great relationship with his agent. Beane said he is excited to see McDermott’s energy now being both the head coach and defensive play caller. 

Brandon Bean stated Christian Benford is a quiet guy but he shows up and works, the game comes easy to him and he has great instincts and ball skills. Beane said Kaiir Elam is young and still learning, Elam is learning a different scheme then he was used to coming out of college and Benford is used to the scheme the Bills run. Beane said Von Miller is doing great and hitting all his points but is still day to day. Bean stated everyone will have a chance to win the MLB position job. Beane continued to add that Kincaid has done a good job so far, and finished saying newly acquired running back Daarynton Evans is a speed guy and he “brings a little juice.”