Two Bills Drive

'With strong-side linebacker Lorenzo Alexander getting a "veteran's day off," as coach Sean McDermott put it, rookie Tanner Vallejo saw action with the starters.'

'Zay’s done a nice job. I like what Rick [Dennison" target="_blank"> and Phil [McGeoghan" target="_blank"> have done with him in terms of bringing him along. He’s working at two different positions – he’s working outside and then he’s working inside in the slot. You don’t find a lot of young receivers that can manage the mental part of the game that way. He’s had a nice camp to date. I like how he’s catching the football and you watch him get better and better each day in understanding the system and understanding what it’s going to take to play at this level. He’s done a nice job.'

'McDermott said he has been pleased with Dareus’ attitude, effort — and waistline. Dareus, who is listed at 331 pounds, arrived in Rochester looking to be in his best shape in years.'

'At Tuesday morning’s practice, the distribution of McCoy, Watkins, and Taylor jerseys in the crowd blended with a plethora of Kelly, Thomas and Smith apparel. Of course, there was still a sprinkle of not-yet “so old it’s cool” JP Losman, EJ Manuel and Roscoe Parrish gear that seems to come out of the woodwork every football season.'

'It’s far too early to predict what might happen, but that’s exactly the type of tight end the Bills have never had, someone who could be a legitimate down-the-seam threat with catch-and-run ability. Charles Clay has a similar skillset, but he hasn’t wowed anyone his first two years with the Bills.'

'Frankly, there seems to be an inordinate amount of hate for Dareus. Sure, he hasn't lived up to the $96 million contract he signed. But who among us wouldn't have signed the deal? If you want to be bitter at someone, make it Doug Whaley and Jim Overdorf, who failed to include any offset language that would negate guarantees in the event Dareus was suspended.'

'The Bills' depth at defensive end was questioned entering training camp, but Eddie Yarbrough is doing what he can to be an answer at the position. Yarbrough had been working with the third team defense, but was working with the second team defense at defensive end on Tuesday.'

'After staring the day off with a touchdown pass to Sammy Watkins during a red-zone drill, Tyrod Taylor and the first-team offense struggled to get rolling for the rest of practice. He went 3-for-8 passing during 11-on-11 with a pair of touchdowns, a near interception and was sacked a few times as well. During 7-on-7, the results were also uneven. The pressure was the biggest issue during the day.'

'"Nebraska is very passionate about the Huskers and the tradition with the football team. You get the sense here with Buffalo fans too, that they are excited to get their Bills back to the playoffs. I know it's been awhile since that's happened, same as Nebraska, and both fan bases are constantly their supporting and cheering on their teams," Reilly said.'

'Coach Lorenzo: The Bills had an overload of work on special teams workouts Tuesday. The team ran gunner drills with a number of players getting an opportunity. Lorenzo Alexander took a veteran day off but he was still out on the field during these drills, pulling multiple players aside or just dropping a tip or two. Along with Alexander, Eric Wood also had the day off.'

'If Sammy Watkins doesn’t have a big year, the Bills have no chance. No matter how good your ground game is—and Buffalo’s can be great, with McCoy, Taylor’s mobility and an athletic O-line—you can’t mount drives and score points in the NFL without an aerial attack.'

'What's more likely is that the Bills, again, reside just outside what's realistic playoff atmosphere. In that case, assuming Taylor this time will be dismissed, the Bills absolutely would want to have Peterman start games. (This assumes Peterman looks competent in practice, which is not a given.) I'm expecting Peterman to start games for the 2017 Bills.'

'“The offensive system is very similar to what we had in Atlanta,” said DiMarco. “There are a few different terms and formations but for most part it’s very similar scheme. I’ve taken it upon myself to teach the younger guys a few pointers I learned.”'

'None of the QBs, including Tyrod Taylor, were very sharp. Taylor missed what appeared to be a couple of easy throws he should normally complete. At one point, the second team offense was running onto the field and McDermott waved them back to the sideline, apparently because he did not like what he was seeing from the starters and wanted them to stay on the field.'

'Dareus worked in with the first-team defense for much of the day, getting a play off every now and again during team drills. His impact this season is paramount to the Bills healing what ailed them during the 2016 season — defensive woes, and particularly against stopping the run late in the season.'