What is the story about?
The
Bills beat the Browns 31-7 in Saturday’s preseason Week 2 game in Cleveland, and this could be a new recurring format for me (as long as you enjoy it), post games — live notes from the broadcast, shared as-is, no full breakdown. Here’s what stood out to me watching the Bills’ second preseason game, let me know your opinions in the comments section.
Offense
- Trent Sherfield looks way bigger than in his first stint with the Bills, maybe the result of shifting his focus to special teams play. However, he looks like a guy who could also grow on that Mack Hollins/Tyrell Shavers role on offense, doing the dirty work and catching some important passes here and there.
- Ray Davis looks good, a real pro. He’s not awesome at anything (other than kick returning), but he’s good at everything. Kinda like poor man’s Fred Jackson.
- Rookie OT Jude Bowry continues to struggle. When the Bills drafted him early in Round 4, I hoped he could be a factor being kicked inside and competing for the LG job, but it never happened. As a pure OT, right now, Grable is light years ahead of him. Hopefully Grable can stay healthy.
- Kyle Allen has done everything right to guarantee that QB2 job. He can operate efficiently from the pocket and has a better arm, size, and experience in comparison to Buechele.
- Alec Anderson hasn’t opened the door for Corbert at LG; I think he’ll win the job. Good to have a veteran like Corbert as a plan B, though.
- Nice 2-min drive to close the 1st half. People poke fun at Brady’s screens, but I love them. When well executed by the players, they result in easy gains. Ja’Mori Maclin took advantage of his opportunities today. Always a threat down the field and could capitalize with a great catch on a deep pass from Kyle Allen and showing some burst after the catch on his TD from Shane Buechele. PS bound?
- Ja’Mori Maclin took advantage of his opportunities today. Always a threat down the field and could capitalize with a great catch on a deep pass from Kyle Allen and showing some burst after the catch on his TD from Shane Buechele. It’s a crowded WR room, PS bound?
- Ian Wheeler is an interesting back. More athletic than Gore, seems like a guy who could do some damage behind our starting OL. Our top 3 seems locked, but Wheeler is really intriguing, and Ty Johnson didn’t play at the same level in 2025 as he did in 2024. He has a clear 3rd down role, though.
- Frank Gore Jr. can play. He lacks top-notch athleticism, but his vision and balance are really good. Nice couple of moves to make some defenders miss in the 4th qrtr.
- Shane Buechele can move better than Kyle Allen and create a bit out of the structure. Those are some points that gotta be considered when evaluating a backup to Josh. I’d still go with KA, though.
Defense
- Kani Walker reminds me of rookie Christian Benford. Good size, poised, can tackle, and knows where he’s supposed to be, vs run and pass.
- TJ Sanders is in position to start but hasn’t done anything yet to prove he deserves this role. As a former 2nd-round pick who the Bills traded up for, I expected more from him in his rookie season, and it didn’t happen. Year 2 hasn’t started any better. He flashed in a couple of plays, but it isn’t enough; I need to see more from him.
- Landon Jackson is another guy I’ve been worried about. Hated the pick but, with the scheme change and the new role, I actually have some hope for him now. He might give Sanders a run for his money.
- Davison Igbinosun is another guy who might find himself in the starting lineup soon, and I believe once he gets there, he might be able to secure that spot permanently. He’s big, physical, can tackle, and fits Leonhard’s schemes well. I love Max Hairston and hope he becomes a star, but how fragile he’s been is worrisome.
- Kaleb Elarms-Orr looks the part as an MLB — big, fast, physical. I’d love to see him beating Dorian Williams for a starting spot (Dorian’s contract is up after this year), but, unfortunately, he seems out of position way too often, especially when in coverage. On Cleveland’s first TD, he literally covered the same short area Damar Hamlin was covering, allowing a huge line to the wide-open receiver on the back of the end zone. I have to rewatch the play, but it seemed he should be better positioned to avoid that from happening.
- If TJ Parker learns some tricks from Bradley Chubb, he’ll be a problem. He’s very active and has a nice combo of speed/power. Gotta add moves to his arsenal.
- I like Jordan Hancock better at NCB. He looks good closer to the LOS than as a single high safety.
- Damar Hamlin can’t be a starter; he’s too slow. However, he’s a true pro who knows where he’s supposed to be, isn’t afraid of tackling (of all people), and continues to be rewarded for all those valuable traits.
- Geno Stone is also too slow. He isn’t a good tackler but always has been a ball hawk. Not with the Bills yet.
- Javon Solomon looks much better in a 5-man front. Nuff said.
- Mike Danna establishes a very solid floor in this OLB group.
- I liked what I saw from Buffalo Joe. He definitely outplayed Keonta Jenkins and, to be honest, he wasn’t worse than Dorian Williams or Kaleb Elarms-Orr.
Special Teams
- Tommy Domann looks good. Wishnowsky was rock solid last year, but I think Buffalo has found its long-term answer at the position.
- I’m really uncomfortable with Tyler Bass at the moment. I’d go with Matt Prater this season again. Hopefully they really know what they’re doing there.
- Ray Davis returning punts is intriguing. I’d like to see him winning the job and becoming our answer in the return game overall. However, I feel like Kick and punt returns are way too different nowadays, and probably a shiftier guy would be a better option as the PR. As long as he shows he’s dependable enough catching those punts, though, he should be fine.
Not About the Bills but…
- Did “The Monstars” steal Deshaun Watson’s talent? My goodness, dude was one of the top young QBs in the league and now looks nothing like his former self.
Catch up on all this and more with the latest edition of Leading the Charge!
