The Buffalo Bills began the preseason version of the Joe Brady era at the new Highmark Stadium with a win against the Carolina Panthers on Saturday. It was a 29-14 final score.
While the win won't count and the stats do not matter, it all does to the locker room and Joe Brady's coaching staff. Jobs are on the line and plenty of plenty made their mark.
With that, here is Bills Wire's
five takeaways from preseason Week 1:
Josh Allen hums along
Quarterback Josh Allen did get the start for the Bills under center, as promised. Allen and the first-team offense look like they have not missed a beat. In two drives, the group put up 10 points.
In another good sign, it appear wide receiver DJ Moore appears to have avoided injury. He went down with ankle injury and did not return,
however, the starting unit entirely left the contest at that point.
Deone Walker stands out in Jim Leonhard's defense
The starting defense under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonard did not look like a new unit. The Panthers do not have the scariest offense, but Buffalo's defense had three-straight three-and-out drives to start the afternoon.
Of all defenders, lineman Deone Walker stood out the most. He was present in Carolina's backfield, notching a sack and tackle for loss in his limited playing time.
Tyler Bass worry?
Bills kicker Tyler Bass connected on 3 of 4 kicks but did miss one from 45 yards. It's not time for overreaction just yet as Bass did hit his two extra-point attempts... but it's worth noting. Bass missed the entire 2025 season with a hernia.
UDFA summer standout shines
Something in the name? Kani Walker was a cornerback the Bills signed after he went undrafted during the 2026 NFL Draft. Walker has played well throughout the summer and had an impressive interception against the Panthers.
Walker clearly did his homework and recognized this screen pass the Panthers attempted:
KANI WALKER WHAT A PICK 🦬 #BillsMafia pic.twitter.com/yPVEeUuoim
— SleeperBills (@SleeperBills) August 15, 2026
Bills O-line a watching point
Off the bat, it is important to note that starting center Connor McGovern did not play against the Panthers because of injury. Lloyd Cushenberry stepped in for him because of injury, however, Buffalo's offensive line looked worrisome.
The starting offense did score a touchdown on their second drive, but the first one was stuffed by the Panthers' front-seven as they got right to Allen on back-to-back plays.
Again, it's the preseason and just a small sample size at this point.
This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: 5 takeaways from the Bills' 29-14 preseason win vs. the Panthers
