Patrick Moran is joined by Joe from Queens for a spirited, funny and occasionally combative recap of the first week of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University. They debate how much anyone should take away from a few non-padded practices, identify the players creating early buzz and examine several roster battles that could shape the Bills’ final 53-man roster.
The conversation also covers Buffalo’s new alternate uniforms, the value—and danger—of training-camp hype, and Patrick’s much-anticipated chicken finger and pizza review of Gino’s Pizza Place.
Key Takeaways
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson made an immediate impression before his injury. His athleticism, communication and command of the defense stood out, making the news that he avoided a torn Achilles especially encouraging. His recovery from a calf strain remains one of the biggest stories to follow.
- Buffalo’s major veteran additions are off to promising starts. D.J. Moore already looks like the clear focal point of the passing game, while Josh Palmer has appeared healthy, fast and reliable. Palmer may currently have the edge over Keon Coleman in three-receiver sets.
- Several young players are pushing for meaningful roles. Day-three selections Skyler Bell, Jalon Kilgore and Kaleb Elarms-Orr have generated early excitement. Undrafted rookies Jackson Acker and Kani Walker have also put themselves into the roster conversation.
- The backup quarterback situation has been the biggest disappointment. Kyle Allen and Shane Buechele both struggled badly, making it difficult to properly evaluate reserve receivers, tight ends and defensive backs working with the second and third teams.
- Early depth-chart usage is creating notable competitions. Maxwell Hairston has received the first-team cornerback reps opposite Christian Benford, while Davison Igbinosun has started slowly. Dorian Williams and Kaleb Elarms-Orr remain a linebacker battle to watch as Williams and Terrel Bernard are gradually worked back into full participation.
Topics Discussed
- Why Joe believes training-camp observations are routinely overhyped
- Reactions to the Bills’ new “blue-collar” alternate uniforms and reveal campaign
- C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s impact, injury scare and importance to the secondary
- D.J. Moore’s chemistry with Josh Allen and the end of the “everybody eats” approach
- Encouraging starts from Dalton Kincaid, Josh Palmer and James Cook
- Keon Coleman’s projected offensive role and possible work as a punt returner
- Brandon Beane’s latest day-three draft class and potential undrafted roster surprises
- Maxwell Hairston versus Davison Igbinosun and Kani Walker versus Toriano Pride Jr. for cornerback roles
- Concerns about Buffalo’s QB2 options and their effect on player evaluation
- Bradley Chubb, Mike Danna and why padded practices matter for judging line play
- Patrick’s Gino’s Pizza Place review: average chicken fingers, excellent pizza
The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear!
Please be sure to subscribe to Talking Buffalo on the audio side, even if you usually watch the show via YouTube. Several of the links to follow Talking Buffalo can be found right here.
Also if you’re not yet subscribed to Talking Buffalo on YouTube, please do so and be sure to hit the LIKE button on the videos, it really helps with the algorithm!
♦♦♦♦♦
Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast
Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack
Twitter: @PatrickMoranTB
Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social
Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB
Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast