PITTSFORD, N.Y. — The wait to see quarterback Josh Allen play with the revamped Buffalo Payments offense can be quick. Coach Sean McDermott introduced on Thursday that Allen and the primary crew will play a few quarter on Saturday in opposition to the Chicago Bears (1 p.m. ET).
“It is actually, to me, it is getting them ramped up and able to go for the season,” McDermott stated. “It is an essential step, onerous to simulate the pace of the sport and so getting that in preseason is essential, going by warmups and the vitality that comes with taking part in a sport in entrance of followers, and having the ability to handle that. So, there’s a variety of causes for it, like I stated, it is simply one other step.”
The sport is predicted to be notable for its quarterback play with No. 1 general decide Caleb Williams trending towards seeing his first preseason motion, however that has not but been introduced.
In 2023, Allen didn’t play within the first preseason sport, however he did play three sequence within the second preseason sport and briefly within the third.
“We’ll simply take it one week at a time,” McDermott stated on Allen’s preseason play time. “So, you realize, there’s a variety of new faces on our offense additionally, together with his receiving corps and so a few of that’s baked into this. However the largest factor is individually we have to get ourselves able to go and go from there.”
The Payments can be with out a number of gamers for the sport as a result of accidents, however taking part in in opposition to the Bears would be the first alternative to see how a number of the new additions to the offense, corresponding to rookie large receiver Keon Coleman, look in a sport setting. Among the many offensive gamers coping with accidents are working again Ty Johnson (hamstring), and large receivers Chase Claypool (toe), Justin Shorter (knee), Mack Hollins (leg) and KJ Hamler (undisclosed).
Allen didn’t really feel strongly about whether or not he performs when requested about it earlier than the choice was shared Thursday.
“I do not really feel it makes a distinction for me at this level in my profession,” Allen stated Wednesday on probably taking part in within the preseason. “To get issues rolling could be good however I perceive not getting on the market and ensuring that we’re being wholesome and being protecting. Once more, it is a double-edged sword any method you take a look at it. If I am requested to play, I will play. If I am advised to not play, I will not play. So, the aggressive juices in me wish to play, however I perceive Week 1 — we nonetheless acquired a while.”
The sport is predicted to be notable for its quarterback play with No. 1 general decide Caleb Williams set to see his first NFL motion. Bears coach Matt Eberflus stated that Williams and non-injured starters will play in Buffalo for a “vary of performs,” however wouldn’t specify a certain amount.
“[Williams has] been getting a variety of good reps with our one protection so I feel it is going to really feel just like him however I actually really feel that when it is stay there within the pocket, to have the ability to transfer, maneuver within the pocket, experience the pocket, escape on the skin, B gaps, all these issues, have the ability to ship the ball, preserve your eyes downfield and actually simply the operation of it,” Eberflus stated. “Get out and in of the huddle. No pre-snap penalties. Clear operation.”
