Q: Jerry Hughes has been here for a long time and is the longest-tenured Bill. How cool was it to see him score that incredible touchdown return against Denver in a playoff-clinching game?
LF: It was so fitting. A guy who has seen the real highs and lows throughout his career here in Buffalo. To see him pick up that football and dance around the way he did and score, it was a beautiful sight to see. Very fitting that it was Jerry to be able to do that and that’s a memory that I’m sure he’ll have for the rest of his life.
Q: What impact has he had on your team? He was there when you guys as a coaching staff came to Buffalo. What impact does he have on teammates, and on the whole operation there as a leader and a person?
LF: For us, he’s really stepped up this season from a leadership standpoint. He’s always been a really good player, warranted by the contract extension he’s received. But with the absence of a Kyle Williams and Lorenzo Alexander, we needed someone to step up and fill that void. Didn’t know where it was going to come from. We were hoping that Jerry would be one of those guys who would step up and he has. He’s been terrific throughout the year. He’s really helped with some of the young guys, bringing them along and just providing that energy and leadership both at practice and in games that we sorely needed in 2020 with all the stuff that’s gone on. So beyond what he’s done in helping us make plays, just absolutely terrific in what he’s done from a leadership standpoint.
Q: It’s been a bit of an up and down year for Ed Oliver in his second season in the league. What have you seen from him this year with his play overall?
This story is from the January 26, 2021 edition of Bills Digest.
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This story is from the January 26, 2021 edition of Bills Digest.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
TRACKING TRAINING CAMP
Bills Digest was there for all the big moments at training camp. Here are some observations …
‘We're constantly trying to evolve'
For more on what’s happening within Buffalo’s offense, here are some highlights from offensive coordinator Brian Daboll’s recent press conferences.
‘On the field you must flip that switch'
Here are some highlights from head coach Sean McDermott’s recent press conferences.
ALLEN GETS HISTORIC DEAL
Bills QB now under contract through 2028
Right back in the swing of things
It’s fair to say that this year’s Bills training camp looks wildly different from those of the past.
1st & Ten with STEFON DIGGS
Stefon Diggs had one of the best seasons ever by a Bills receiver in 2020, and he’s looking for an encore. Diggs was clearly amped up and ready to go as the Bills began their preparations for the new season, leading the huddle and supporting his teammates as they kicked off training camp in Orchard Park. Diggs recently touched on his goals for the upcoming season for both himself and the team in an informative discussion with members of the media. Here are the highlights from that discussion.
RUNNING BACKS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Aaron Jones, Packers 5-9 • 208 pounds • 27 years old A fifth-round steal in the 2017 draft out of UTEP, Jones is equally proficient in the running and passing games. He rushed for more than 1,000 yards the last two years, and caught 49 and 47 passes, respectively. He’s also a touchdown machine with 30 TDs the last two years (25 rushing and 5 receiving). The son of two career Army officers, he’s a tough, driven player and the kind of guy players want on their team.
THE RIGHT STUFF?
Keeping two important starters is a priority as the right side of the O-line hits free agency
QUARTERBACKS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Dak Prescott, Cowboys 6-2 • 235 pounds • 27 years old A solid starter who has a nice TD-INT ratio over his first five seasons (104-40), Prescott is an accurate thrower and very mobile. However, he’s coming off a compound fracture and dislocation of his right ankle, so it remains to be seen if this will impact his game moving forward.
TIGHT ENDS: TOP AVAILABLE FREE AGENTS
Hunter Henry, Chargers 6-5 • 250 pounds • 29 years old A very talented player, Henry has had issues staying healthy, unable to complete an NFL season, including missing the entire 2018 season with a torn ACL. But when healthy, he’s a terrific all-around tight end who really connected with Justin Herbert in 2020 with 60 catches. Henry is very good at finding holes in zone coverage.
