The Buffalo Bills didn’t trade for wide receiver DJ Moore so that he could be just another piece of the offense. They acquired Moore in the hopes of landing a bona fide difference maker, a receiver capable of changing the complexion of games. They were looking for someone to perform as a true number-one target for quarterback Josh Allen, something he hasn’t had since the departure of Stefon Diggs.
It’s true that there’s only been two days of training camp at St. John Fisher University so far this
summer, but the early signs are hard to ignore. If there’s been one storyline that stands out above the rest through Buffalo’s first two practices, it’s the rapidly developing connection between Allen and Moore.
Wednesday’s session offered the first glimpse. The timing wasn’t perfect early, which is hardly surprising considering the two are still learning one another’s on-field rhythm. A couple of throws missed their mark, but instead of forcing things, the chemistry seemed to improve with every miscue. By the end of practice, Allen dropped a perfectly placed sideline pass into Moore’s hands, allowing the veteran receiver to drag both feet in bounds despite the rain. It quickly became one of the highlights of Day 1.
Then came Thursday. Any questions about how quickly this relationship might develop were answered in a hurry. Allen and Moore connected on multiple explosive plays throughout practice.
During Thursday’s 7-on-7 drills, Allen found Moore behind the defense for a long touchdown after recognizing a breakdown in coverage. Later, during 11-on-11 work, Moore created separation on a post route against rookie cornerback Davison Igbinosun before hauling in another deep completion.
Two days. Multiple explosive plays. Two deep touchdowns. That’s exactly what One Bills Drive envisioned when president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane acquired Moore from the Chicago Bears this offseason.
Perhaps the most encouraging takeaway isn’t simply the catches. Instead, it’s how both players are talking about everything happening between them.
Following Thursday’s practice, Moore credited constant communication as the biggest reason their chemistry is developing so quickly. Rather than waiting, he said the conversations are happening continuously, before reps, after reps, and throughout practice as they work through timing, routes, and adjustments.
That approach has clearly made an impression on Allen as well. Allen admitted he initially found himself trying to be too perfect when throwing to Moore. Instead of simply trusting what he saw, he was aiming the football. Once he got back to just letting it rip, everything started to click.
Training camp always comes with the usual disclaimer that defenders aren’t game planning. Everyone looks good in shorts. Big plays in July don’t automatically become touchdowns in September.
But some things translate regardless of the calendar. Timing. Trust. Communication. Those are exactly the traits beginning to emerge between Allen and Moore.
Bills fans have spent the offseason wondering how quickly Buffalo’s newest offensive weapon would fit into the offense. Through two days of camp, the answer appears to be much faster than anyone expected.
