Orchard Park, N.Y. — The Buffalo Bills held their final open practice of Organized Team Activities (OTAs) on Tuesday, and the offense turned in a sloppy performance.
Pre-snap penalties were prevalent, and the defense ratcheted up the intensity when they were allowed to defend against a unit still getting new pieces on the same page.
The defensive line took center stage with multiple big plays throughout practice. The secondary chipped in by creating an interception. Here are some observations from Tuesday’s practice.
Von Miller starting to look right
The speed, burst, and bend off the edge is something that just hasn’t looked the same for Miller since he tore his ACL back on Thanksgiving in 2022. He said he couldn’t practice last season without a knee brace, which he’s discarded this offseason and during OTAs. Miller still wants to play a few more seasons, and he showed some signs on Tuesday - albeit in a non-padded practice - that it could be possible.
Miller had two sacks on the day, making life difficult for veteran tackle La’el Collins. He flew off the edge and blew by Collins on his way to landing for a sack on quarterback Josh Allen. Then, later in practice, Miller won on an inside rush against Collins and joined Greg Rousseau at the quarterback for another sack. Rousseau beat Ryan Van Demark on the other side of the line.
Keon Coleman willing to show off physicality
Coleman will be tested every day this summer when it’s trial by fire against all the best the Bills’ secondary has to throw at him. On Tuesday, Coleman locked up with third-year cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram at one point for two memorable plays.
The first was a physical exchange in which the two players locked up, battled off the field, and pushed into the defensive sideline. After the two finally separated, Coleman put his head down and marched back into the offensive huddle. Then, he ran out for another rep against Ingram. This time, the rookie set up the defensive back with pretty footwork and beat him on his route to get wide open. The only problem was that the ball went to the other side of the field.
Ingram is in a great spot to earn a depth job with the Bills if he can show his skills this summer. The Bills could add a veteran cornerback before the start of training camp, but Ingram has played regular-season snaps for Buffalo already. They like him, and he has a chance to secure a job. Battles with Coleman should be entertaining - especially once the pads come on.
New linebacker picks off Josh Allen
Matt Milano continues to work his way back from a broken leg last season, and the Bills have plenty of new depth linebackers trying to make some noise during OTAs. Dorian Williams didn’t participate on Tuesday, either. So, enter Deion Jones, who had a chance to make a splash with veteran Nicholas Morrow, who was not in attendance.
Jones took advantage.
Allen went back to pass on one play during 11-on-11 and thought he could fit in a floater over the defense. But safety Damar Hamlin came flying into the play and tipped it up into the air. Jones came flying in and made the interception as the defense celebrated.
Buy some Chase Claypool stock; MVS connects with Allen
Claypool has been the Bills’ most consistent receiver during OTAs and is setting the stage for what should be a run at the 53-man roster. He made the most explosive play of the day, catching a deep bomb from backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky during 11-on-11. Once he gets past his defender, it’s hard for the safeties to catch up and rookie Cole Bishop learned that lesson on the play, which would have gone for a touchdown in a game.
Marquez Valdez-Scantling has been mostly quiet since he signed shortly before the start of OTAs. But the big, speedy receiver made his first big play with Allen on Tuesday, catching a nice pass about 25 yards down the field after beating Christian Benford. Taylor Rapp had a chance to make a play, but the throw and route were too good.
DeWayne Carter making an impact
Carter never stops moving. He’s ultra-fast off the line and runs down running backs until the whistle blows. His best play was on a great rush, beating his block to land at the quarterback for a shared sack with Kingsley Jonathan. Veteran interior defensive lineman DeShawn Williams wasn’t in attendance, but Carter continues to excel in his opportunities.
Who else wasn’t on the field
Fullback Reggie Gilliam and rookie linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio didn’t participate and did some side work in the area where injured players usually work during practice. Veteran safety Mike Edwards still works back from a shoulder injury, and he did some of the walk-through portion of practice. Spencer Brown is still only working in the individual periods. Dawson Knox, Dion Dawkins, Dawuane Smoot, Justin Shorter, K.J. Hamler, and Rasul Douglas were also not present.
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