More than that, however, is the contrast between the hashmarks. For so many years, training camp was an uneasy combination of promise and concern. New coaches, new players, new quarterbacks ... first came hope, then an unfortunate dose of reality.
Maybe it was when Josh Allen rifled a pass to Stefon Diggs in the middle of the end zone during an improvisation on the first day of camp. Maybe it was the following day when Allen hit Cole Beasley on a deep post that left newcomer Emmanuel Sanders with his jaw open. I actually think it was when Allen dropped a perfect bomb into Beasley’s hands down the left sideline a few days later when it hit me for good.
This team is back. This team is ready. And the contrast, quite frankly, from training camps of the past is jarring.
“We didn’t win it,” Allen said. “So ultimately that was our goal last year and we didn’t accomplish it. I know a lot of guys have that sour taste still and it’s pushing them and driving them. Personally, me, that’s how I feel. I know that when the time comes, 53 guys on the roster that have that same feeling and that same mentality of we didn’t do enough to get the job done last year so let’s find a way to be better this year and attack it that way.”
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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.
HAMMER ATTACK
Three Virgin Marys kept their baleful eyes on the back of Allen’s head. But more powers were needed—of clemency, of healing—so, to accompany the dolorous mothers, somebody had also taped to the wall behind Allen’s hospital bed half a dozen Jesuses (a few were laminated), the famous “Last Supper” painting, and a grave-looking figure who, Alice, one of Allen’s sisters, told Gina, was St. Jude, the patron saint of lost causes, of last hope.
20 BOTY 23
From a diverse field of new performance sailing entries, vetted and sailed in perfect conditions in Annapolis in October, four favorites emerged as the best of the best. The overall winner, our 2023 Boat of the Year, is the one we've been waiting for.
Tim Allen
FOR TIM ALLEN, REVISITING HIS ICONIC LEAD ROLE IN THE SANTA CLAUSES November 16, Disney+) was more than just creating content” for a nostalgic streaming audience. We had a great responsibility.”
Remembrances: Douglas Myers
"Respect the cat, and treat it with care. Exhibitors will forget if you don't final their cat; they'll never forgive if you mishandle it."
Fremer sings standards
Whenever I do turntable setup seminars, I complain to the participants about the lack of cartridge-pin diameter and clip-opening standards. Anyone who does their own setup has experienced it: The connection is too tight or too loose.
B&B: TAYLOR SPILLS BROOKE'S SECRET TO RIDGE
Taylor is floored when Steffy and Thomas reveal that Brooke kissed Deacon on New Year’s Eve.
HOWLIN' MULE
Believe it or not, GOV’T MULE’S latest album, Heavy Load Blues, is WARREN HAYNES’ first foray into full-on blues (and it all happened while they were recording another album entirely)
Be Our Guest
Krista Allen Looked Back At Her Road To B&B, With A Memorable Stop in Salem, On Digest's Podcast, Dishing With Digest
ECHELON CIGARS
It’s been a while since we’ve seen a cigar brand come across the Vets Vices desk, which is a shame since we love a good stogie.
AROUND THE AFC EAST
The race for the AFC East crown gets started