Top 20 AFC training camp battles to watch (Bills listed 3 times)

[MJS]

AFC training camp battles to watch: Patriots QB, Bills RB, more

 

Gregg Rosenthal - AROUND THE NFL EDITOR

 

https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-training-camp-battles-to-watch-patriots-qb-bills-rb-more

 

6 - Buffalo Bills

CB · Josh Norman vs. Levi Wallace

 

Norman is the heavy favorite here because of his relationship with coach Sean McDermott and his $6 million contract. But he's now 32 years old, deep into his decline phase. McDermott's magic touch with the secondary will be tested.

 

12 - Buffalo Bills

DE · Trent Murphy vs. Mario Addison vs. A.J. Epenesa

 

Buffalo's pass rush was a quiet weakness last season, so general manager Brandon Beane added an old friend from Carolina (Addison) and a high pick (second-rounder Epenesa) to compete for the spot opposite Jerry Hughes. Murphy, an expensive free agent signing in 2018, could wind up anywhere from the starting lineup to off the roster.

 

13 - Buffalo Bills

RB · Devin Singletary vs. Zack Moss

 

Singletary has already proven himself, ranking among the 10 most elusive backs last season (minimum 100 carries), according to PFF. Moss is a similarly slashing runner who, like Singletary, was a third-round pick brought in to share to load and possibly steal goal-line work. Moss will have to prove himself quickly because Singletary is too legit to sit for long.

 

...

 

I'm not sure I agree on the Normon vs Wallace take. I think Wallace is the heavy favorite, especially given that Norman is not going to have the normal preseason to establish himself. The other two I agree with, although I think the plan all along is to have heavy doses of BOTH Singletary and Moss (although Moss will get phased in much like Singletary was behind Gore). I'm more excited about AJ Epenesa than most. I really liked what I saw from the highlights and videos I went back and watched after we drafted him. I hope he gets a lot of playing time.

[BobbyC81]

11 minutes ago, MJS said:

AFC training camp battles to watch: Patriots QB, Bills RB, more

 

Gregg Rosenthal - AROUND THE NFL EDITOR

 

https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-training-camp-battles-to-watch-patriots-qb-bills-rb-more

 

 

12 - Buffalo Bills

DE · Trent Murphy vs. Mario Addison vs. A.J. Epenesa

 

Buffalo's pass rush was a quiet weakness last season, so general manager Brandon Beane added an old friend from Carolina (Addison) and a high pick (second-rounder Epenesa) to compete for the spot opposite Jerry Hughes. Murphy, an expensive free agent signing in 2018, could wind up anywhere from the starting lineup to off the roster.

 

Yeah, the pass rush was such a quiet weakness that they finished 12th with 44 sacks.

[Alphadawg7]

20 minutes ago, MJS said:

AFC training camp battles to watch: Patriots QB, Bills RB, more

 

Gregg Rosenthal - AROUND THE NFL EDITOR

 

https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-training-camp-battles-to-watch-patriots-qb-bills-rb-more

 

6 - Buffalo Bills

CB · Josh Norman vs. Levi Wallace

 

Norman is the heavy favorite here because of his relationship with coach Sean McDermott and his $6 million contract. But he's now 32 years old, deep into his decline phase. McDermott's magic touch with the secondary will be tested.

 

12 - Buffalo Bills

DE · Trent Murphy vs. Mario Addison vs. A.J. Epenesa

 

Buffalo's pass rush was a quiet weakness last season, so general manager Brandon Beane added an old friend from Carolina (Addison) and a high pick (second-rounder Epenesa) to compete for the spot opposite Jerry Hughes. Murphy, an expensive free agent signing in 2018, could wind up anywhere from the starting lineup to off the roster.

 

13 - Buffalo Bills

RB · Devin Singletary vs. Zack Moss

 

Singletary has already proven himself, ranking among the 10 most elusive backs last season (minimum 100 carries), according to PFF. Moss is a similarly slashing runner who, like Singletary, was a third-round pick brought in to share to load and possibly steal goal-line work. Moss will have to prove himself quickly because Singletary is too legit to sit for long.

 

...

 

I'm not sure I agree on the Normon vs Wallace take. I think Wallace is the heavy favorite, especially given that Norman is not going to have the normal preseason to establish himself. The other two I agree with, although I think the plan all along is to have heavy doses of BOTH Singletary and Moss (although Moss will get phased in much like Singletary was behind Gore). I'm more excited about AJ Epenesa than most. I really liked what I saw from the highlights and videos I went back and watched after we drafted him. I hope he gets a lot of playing time.

 

I am more the opposite on this than you.  I think Levi vs Norman is a legit battle.  I like Levi, but I can see Norman putting a real challenge for the starting spot.  And if he truly has a lot left in the tank back in McD's system, then he has a strong case to push Levi as the starter.  

 

I think Addison is a heavier favorite to start and same with Singletary.  In fact, I think there is almost 0% chance for either Moss or Epenesa to push to start early in the season, that is definitely not the way McD and this staff typically handle rookies, especially with quality depth ahead of them.  They have consistently made rookies earn it, even with Singletary being the more effective RB, Gore still started a lot longer than he should have last year.  Oliver, a top 10 draft pick was not even handed the starting role.  

 

So for me, I think Singletary is a lock to start the season as RB1, especially coming off the season he just had as a highly effective playmaker.  Doesnt mean Moss wont push for more carries over the season, much like Devin did last year, but Devin will be RB1 barring injury come week 1 IMO.  And while Murphy has the time in the system over Addison, he is not the same caliber of player by any means.  Epenesa will get playing time for sure, but I doubt McD is going to roll with him as a week 1 starter over a guy like Addison.  If he was only competing against Murphy, I would give him a better shot of winning the starting job by week 1.  

[GunnerBill]

Norman

Addison

Singletary

 

I do think AJ will be the starter at end by mid season though.

[marky]

32 is deep decline?

[IgotBILLStopay]

Ha! tried to guess all three from title before clicking and got all three - except I added Gaines as well to battle #1. He got hurt last year - so couldnt really compete - but he also has experience with the McD / Frazier zone coverage and performed  well. He might be the dark horse. Combining these three  with White and Taron Johnson, I feel good about our CB position and strength.

Edited July 29, 2020 by IgotBILLStopay

[MJS]

54 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

I am more the opposite on this than you.  I think Levi vs Norman is a legit battle.  I like Levi, but I can see Norman putting a real challenge for the starting spot.  And if he truly has a lot left in the tank back in McD's system, then he has a strong case to push Levi as the starter.  

 

I think Addison is a heavier favorite to start and same with Singletary.  In fact, I think there is almost 0% chance for either Moss or Epenesa to push to start early in the season, that is definitely not the way McD and this staff typically handle rookies, especially with quality depth ahead of them.  They have consistently made rookies earn it, even with Singletary being the more effective RB, Gore still started a lot longer than he should have last year.  Oliver, a top 10 draft pick was not even handed the starting role.  

 

So for me, I think Singletary is a lock to start the season as RB1, especially coming off the season he just had as a highly effective playmaker.  Doesnt mean Moss wont push for more carries over the season, much like Devin did last year, but Devin will be RB1 barring injury come week 1 IMO.  And while Murphy has the time in the system over Addison, he is not the same caliber of player by any means.  Epenesa will get playing time for sure, but I doubt McD is going to roll with him as a week 1 starter over a guy like Addison.  If he was only competing against Murphy, I would give him a better shot of winning the starting job by week 1.  

I think it is a legit battle between Norman and Wallace, but with this off-season being the way it is I just don't think Norman will have the opportunity to show he is a clear upgrade. I believe Wallace will start. Now, as the season goes on and Norman gets a lot of playing time that could definately change.

 

And I agree with the young guys like Moss and Epenesa not starting and being phased in. That's how McDermott seems to operate, although Edmunds and White were immediate starters.

[Alphadawg7]

6 minutes ago, MJS said:

I think it is a legit battle between Norman and Wallace, but with this off-season being the way it is I just don't think Norman will have the opportunity to show he is a clear upgrade. I believe Wallace will start. Now, as the season goes on and Norman gets a lot of playing time that could definately change.

 

And I agree with the young guys like Moss and Epenesa not starting and being phased in. That's how McDermott seems to operate, although Edmunds and White were immediate starters.

 

Both Edmunds and White had no competition to beat out really either in terms of guys on their level, even as rookies. So I think they are more than exception than the rule in terms of how McD and the team look at bringing rookies along.  

 

And you have good points about Norman, or any player really new to the system this year given the restrictions of this unique offseason.  But Norman is very familiar with McD's defense, so I think the learning curve is greatly helped there by that fact, which is why I think he will have a legit shot at a week 1 starting spot opposite of Tre if he has anything left in the tank.  

 

Just hard to know with Norman as he wasn't in an ideal system in Washington, so we don't really know what he can still do in a system better suited for his game.  Will be fun to watch.  And I still do really like Wallace, so I am not counting him out.  Just seeing this as one of the more legit battles heading into camp.  

Edited July 29, 2020 by Alphadawg7

[Bss]

1 hour ago, ColeB said:

Yeah, the pass rush was such a quiet weakness that they finished 12th with 44 sacks.

Great coverage can cover up a weak pass rush because the qb has to hold onto the ball longer 

[njbuff]

I don't even know if Norman makes the team.

 

The Bills have loaded up on younger CB's opposite White, so who knows.

[MJS]

11 minutes ago, Alphadawg7 said:

 

Both Edmunds and White had no competition to beat out really either in terms of guys on their level, even as rookies. So I think they are more than exception than the rule in terms of how McD and the team look at bringing rookies along.  

 

And you have good points about Norman, or any player really new to the system this year given the restrictions of this unique offseason.  But Norman is very familiar with McD's defense, so I think the learning curve is greatly helped there by that fact, which is why I think he will have a legit shot at a week 1 starting spot opposite of Tre if he has anything left in the tank.  

 

Just hard to know with Norman as he wasn't in an ideal system in Washington, so we don't really know what he can still do in a system better suited for his game.  Will be fun to watch.  And I still do really like Wallace, so I am not counting him out.  Just seeing this as one of the more legit battles heading into camp.  

 

If Norman gets back to what made him a superstar, our defense is going to be amazing. I'm a little skeptical that he can, but if anyone can get that out of him it's McDermott. The secondary is his specialty.

 

And I agree that White and Edmunds were more the exceptions for starting right away. But they are also really good. I would hope if Epanesa shows that he is really good that he will be given a real shot to start. I think Singletary was held back a little, but perhaps part of that was pass protection and also missing games.

1 hour ago, ColeB said:

Yeah, the pass rush was such a quiet weakness that they finished 12th with 44 sacks.

I figured that would be brought up. It's interesting because as a team we had a good pass rush but we don't really have any individually great pass rushers. I think it is safe to say that it would help our defense a lot if we had a consistent 10+ sack edge rusher for offenses to have to account for and game plan against.

[Stank_Nasty]

I think EJ Gaines has the ability to low key snipe that CB2 job if, by some fat chance, he stays healthy. 

[DCbillsfan]

I believe Beane and McD are wanting a CB2 who is physical against the run to pair up with Tre White.  If healthy, I could see Norman or Gaines beat out Wallace. 

[Mr. WEO]

5 hours ago, MJS said:

 

RB · Devin Singletary vs. Zack Moss

 

Singletary has already proven himself, ranking among the 10 most elusive backs last season (minimum 100 carries), according to PFF. Moss is a similarly slashing runner who, like Singletary, was a third-round pick brought in to share to load and possibly steal goal-line work. Moss will have to prove himself quickly because Singletary is too legit to sit for long.

 

...

 

 

 

 

Somebody gonna let Daboll know?

[MJS]

51 minutes ago, Mr. WEO said:

 

Somebody gonna let Daboll know?

I felt like Daboll wanted a committee RB approach. He saw Gore as the short yardage, goal line, and pass protection back. Problem was Gore sucked worse and worse as the season went on.

 

Then right when Singletary was getting more snaps, he got hurt.

 

I'm fine with that same approach with Moss instead of Gore, because Moss will (hopefully) actually be useful.

56 minutes ago, DCbillsfan said:

I believe Beane and McD are wanting a CB2 who is physical against the run to pair up with Tre White.  If healthy, I could see Norman or Gaines beat out Wallace. 

Isn't the slot CB the one that would need to be physical against the run? The CB2 is still going to be lined up outside and not often involved in run plays.

[Paul Costa]

Gaines can easily win that CB #2 spot. We all know health is the key. DE, CB, and RB are all better than last year. So is WR. Life is good at one Bills drive. ?

[Punching Bag]

4 hours ago, MJS said:

I figured that would be brought up. It's interesting because as a team we had a good pass rush but we don't really have any individually great pass rushers. I think it is safe to say that it would help our defense a lot if we had a consistent 10+ sack edge rusher for offenses to have to account for and game plan against.

 

The pass rush was effective and not just for sacks for teams could not just limit one main pass rusher.  Teams had to account for someone from any position being in backfield and sometimes two at once unexpectedly.  Zo was particularly disruptive in backfield even if he did not get the sack and we will miss him.

[MJS]

1 hour ago, Limeaid said:

 

The pass rush was effective and not just for sacks for teams could not just limit one main pass rusher.  Teams had to account for someone from any position being in backfield and sometimes two at once unexpectedly.  Zo was particularly disruptive in backfield even if he did not get the sack and we will miss him.

The same thing can be achieved if you have a great edge rusher as well, it just compounds the difficulty for the offense to handle. Because they have to account for the edge rusher AND the possibility of an unknown blitzer.

[eball]

The Singletary/Moss touch ratio will wind up at around 70/30, I think. 

[DCbillsfan]

5 hours ago, MJS said:

 

Isn't the slot CB the one that would need to be physical against the run? The CB2 is still going to be lined up outside and not often involved in run plays.

I believe the Bills are trying to upgrade both CB2 and slot CB.  Beane and McD are trying to catch to some lightning in a bottle with Gaines and Norman.  If Gaines can stay healthy and Norman upgrades his play from his Washington days, they'll see the field quite a bit with White imo.  Re-watching games from last year, Taron Johnson and Wallace left me wanting more from them.  Just not enough impact plays along with solid tackling at times.  

[machine gun kelly]

14 hours ago, MJS said:

AFC training camp battles to watch: Patriots QB, Bills RB, more

 

Gregg Rosenthal - AROUND THE NFL EDITOR

 

https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-training-camp-battles-to-watch-patriots-qb-bills-rb-more

 

6 - Buffalo Bills

CB · Josh Norman vs. Levi Wallace

 

Norman is the heavy favorite here because of his relationship with coach Sean McDermott and his $6 million contract. But he's now 32 years old, deep into his decline phase. McDermott's magic touch with the secondary will be tested.

 

12 - Buffalo Bills

DE · Trent Murphy vs. Mario Addison vs. A.J. Epenesa

 

Buffalo's pass rush was a quiet weakness last season, so general manager Brandon Beane added an old friend from Carolina (Addison) and a high pick (second-rounder Epenesa) to compete for the spot opposite Jerry Hughes. Murphy, an expensive free agent signing in 2018, could wind up anywhere from the starting lineup to off the roster.

 

13 - Buffalo Bills

RB · Devin Singletary vs. Zack Moss

 

Singletary has already proven himself, ranking among the 10 most elusive backs last season (minimum 100 carries), according to PFF. Moss is a similarly slashing runner who, like Singletary, was a third-round pick brought in to share to load and possibly steal goal-line work. Moss will have to prove himself quickly because Singletary is too legit to sit for long.

 

...

 

I'm not sure I agree on the Normon vs Wallace take. I think Wallace is the heavy favorite, especially given that Norman is not going to have the normal preseason to establish himself. The other two I agree with, although I think the plan all along is to have heavy doses of BOTH Singletary and Moss (although Moss will get phased in much like Singletary was behind Gore). I'm more excited about AJ Epenesa than most. I really liked what I saw from the highlights and videos I went back and watched after we drafted him. I hope he gets a lot of playing time.

Moss is a compliment to Motor, not competition.  Addison had 46 sacks in the last 5 years and 9.5 last year so he’s not declining.  Epenesa May start by mid season, but probably not with this year early.  Still not sure on Murphy.  He played well at the end of the year, it’s just a matter of does Beane feel he has enough room to keep him as he’s expensive and we just don’t know how much he wants to save vs. keeping the asset.  Who knows on Norman.  Not having an off-season shouldn’t matter as he knows McD’s defense cold, so if he goes back to the way he performed in Carolina, he’ll win it.  If he continues like in Washington who played him in the wrong scheme, then he won’t make the team.  I know Wallace tried hard last year, but he was the weakness of the secondary.

[RyanC883]

22 hours ago, MJS said:

AFC training camp battles to watch: Patriots QB, Bills RB, more

 

Gregg Rosenthal - AROUND THE NFL EDITOR

 

https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-training-camp-battles-to-watch-patriots-qb-bills-rb-more

 

6 - Buffalo Bills

CB · Josh Norman vs. Levi Wallace

 

Norman is the heavy favorite here because of his relationship with coach Sean McDermott and his $6 million contract. But he's now 32 years old, deep into his decline phase. McDermott's magic touch with the secondary will be tested.

 

12 - Buffalo Bills

DE · Trent Murphy vs. Mario Addison vs. A.J. Epenesa

 

Buffalo's pass rush was a quiet weakness last season, so general manager Brandon Beane added an old friend from Carolina (Addison) and a high pick (second-rounder Epenesa) to compete for the spot opposite Jerry Hughes. Murphy, an expensive free agent signing in 2018, could wind up anywhere from the starting lineup to off the roster.

 

13 - Buffalo Bills

RB · Devin Singletary vs. Zack Moss

 

Singletary has already proven himself, ranking among the 10 most elusive backs last season (minimum 100 carries), according to PFF. Moss is a similarly slashing runner who, like Singletary, was a third-round pick brought in to share to load and possibly steal goal-line work. Moss will have to prove himself quickly because Singletary is too legit to sit for long.

 

...

 

I'm not sure I agree on the Normon vs Wallace take. I think Wallace is the heavy favorite, especially given that Norman is not going to have the normal preseason to establish himself. The other two I agree with, although I think the plan all along is to have heavy doses of BOTH Singletary and Moss (although Moss will get phased in much like Singletary was behind Gore). I'm more excited about AJ Epenesa than most. I really liked what I saw from the highlights and videos I went back and watched after we drafted him. I hope he gets a lot of playing time.

I can also see Epenesa being kicked inside on passing downs.  Then you have Addison, Hughes, and Epensa on the D-line with Harrison or whomever else the Bills put there.  

21 hours ago, beavis said:

32 is deep decline?

 

yeah, that didn't make any sense.  Players play well into their 30's.  The fact that Norman may be declining has little to do with being 32. 

[JerseyBills]

On 7/29/2020 at 4:22 PM, ColeB said:

Yeah, the pass rush was such a quiet weakness that they finished 12th with 44 sacks.

For such an elite D , 3rd yards , 2and in ppg , maybe ?

At any rate , even with Star out , I see the DL as very improved. Addison is as good as Hughes. Oliver should have a great Sophomore year and establish himself as a premiere DT. QJeff can play in or outside and was widely regarded as Sea most consistent DLinemen. Butler and Epenesa should be great depth and Dirty Harry returns. 

 

Expecting the DL as a whole to really ball out

[GunnerBill]

9 minutes ago, JerseyBills said:

For such an elite D , 3rd yards , 2and in ppg , maybe ?

At any rate , even with Star out , I see the DL as very improved. Addison is as good as Hughes. Oliver should have a great Sophomore year and establish himself as a premiere DT. QJeff can play in or outside and was widely regarded as Sea most consistent DLinemen. Butler and Epenesa should be great depth and Dirty Harry returns. 

 

Expecting the DL as a whole to really ball out

 

Jefferson is an excellent player. He will put perform Addison. Book it. 

[JerseyBills]

4 minutes ago, GunnerBill said:

 

Jefferson is an excellent player. He will put perform Addison. Book it. 

I agree QJeff is excellent but I am very high on Addison,  I think he'll be neck and neck with Hughes off the edge. Hopefully both of them have amazing years, I think they will. I'm just a big Addison fan. He's so consistent and little more explosive than QJeff imo.

Can I ask why you feel that way? 

Edited July 30, 2020 by JerseyBills

[ROCBillsBeliever]

Was I the only person who read the following, and nearly barfed at another NFL pundit who knows literally the inverse of anything substantial on the Buffalo Bills?

 

"Moss is a similarly slashing runner"

 

Moss is Thunder. Singletary us lightning. It's not like that's a novel concept, among catch-phrases for NFL RB's... lazy journalism at it's finest.

 

I guess I'll take lazy journalism, though, if it at least highlights the Bills. Can't win them all, right ?

Edited July 30, 2020 by ROCBillsBeliever

[GunnerBill]

25 minutes ago, JerseyBills said:

I agree QJeff is excellent but I am very high on Addison,  I think he'll be neck and neck with Hughes off the edge. Hopefully both of them have amazing years, I think they will. I'm just a big Addison fan. He's so consistent and little more explosive than QJeff imo.

Can I ask why you feel that way? 

 

Because Addison noticeably declined last year. His sack numbers are a bit of a mirage. His pass rush win rate was way down and his tackles for loss were way down. He got the QB at an almost unprecedented rate compared to his pass rush win percentage and I just don't think that is sustainable. When you really watch the tape you see a guy who is slower and less powerful than at his peak. The chances of him getting home so often when winning so few of his rush attempts in 2020 as he did in 2019 are slim. If you just look at headline numbers Addison's 2019 makes him look as good as ever. The advanced numbers and the tape tell a slightly different story. I think AJ will supplant him by week 8. 

[co_springs_billsfan]

1 hour ago, ROCBillsBeliever said:

Was I the only person who read the following, and nearly barfed at another NFL pundit who knows literally the inverse of anything substantial on the Buffalo Bills?

 

"Moss is a similarly slashing runner"

 

Moss is Thunder. Singletary us lightning. It's not like that's a novel concept, among catch-phrases for NFL RB's... lazy journalism at it's finest.

 

I guess I'll take lazy journalism, though, if it at least highlights the Bills. Can't win them all, right ?

Was going to post this basically, but saying Moss is a hammer not a slasher. 

 

As someone else posted above their styles complement each other. 

[MJS]

2 hours ago, ROCBillsBeliever said:

Was I the only person who read the following, and nearly barfed at another NFL pundit who knows literally the inverse of anything substantial on the Buffalo Bills?

 

"Moss is a similarly slashing runner"

 

Moss is Thunder. Singletary us lightning. It's not like that's a novel concept, among catch-phrases for NFL RB's... lazy journalism at it's finest.

 

I guess I'll take lazy journalism, though, if it at least highlights the Bills. Can't win them all, right ?

I read that too and was a little confused. I thought he was just trying to say that both running backs are capable of "slashing" the defense, that is, to pick up chunks of yards. Even if they go about it in different ways.

 

Or he really doesn't know the difference between the two. But he likely does. The only national people saying good things about Singletary are the ones who actually watched him.

Edited July 31, 2020 by MJS

[ROCBillsBeliever]

11 hours ago, MJS said:

I read that too and was a little confused. I thought he was just trying to say that both running backs are capable of "slashing" the defense, that is, to pick up chunks of yards. Even if they go about it in different ways.

 

Or he really doesn't know the difference between the two. But he likely does. The only national people saying good things about Singletary are the ones who actually watched him.

 

I guess I could see the former, but I suspect the latter, as it's all too common ?‍♂️

[below]

"Addison rushed more than 95% from the right side from 2016 to ’18. Last year, Addison rushed 18% from the left and the rest from the right."

 

 

Highly likely that Addison will be splitting time with Hughes at RE and only rotating in at LE in passing situations.

 

Given the DT depth I've gotta think they saw Jefferson as a LE at the time of his signing (maybe that's changed somewhat with Star opting out).

 

Epenesa/Jefferson at LE

Hughes/Addison at RE

 

Murphy is trade bait.

[Ed_Formerly_of_Roch]

On 7/29/2020 at 4:08 PM, MJS said:

AFC training camp battles to watch: Patriots QB, Bills RB, more

 

Gregg Rosenthal - AROUND THE NFL EDITOR

 

https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-training-camp-battles-to-watch-patriots-qb-bills-rb-more

 

6 - Buffalo Bills

CB · Josh Norman vs. Levi Wallace

 

Norman is the heavy favorite here because of his relationship with coach Sean McDermott and his $6 million contract. But he's now 32 years old, deep into his decline phase. McDermott's magic touch with the secondary will be tested.

 

12 - Buffalo Bills

DE · Trent Murphy vs. Mario Addison vs. A.J. Epenesa

 

Buffalo's pass rush was a quiet weakness last season, so general manager Brandon Beane added an old friend from Carolina (Addison) and a high pick (second-rounder Epenesa) to compete for the spot opposite Jerry Hughes. Murphy, an expensive free agent signing in 2018, could wind up anywhere from the starting lineup to off the roster.

 

13 - Buffalo Bills

RB · Devin Singletary vs. Zack Moss

 

Singletary has already proven himself, ranking among the 10 most elusive backs last season (minimum 100 carries), according to PFF. Moss is a similarly slashing runner who, like Singletary, was a third-round pick brought in to share to load and possibly steal goal-line work. Moss will have to prove himself quickly because Singletary is too legit to sit for long.

 

...

 

I'm not sure I agree on the Normon vs Wallace take. I think Wallace is the heavy favorite, especially given that Norman is not going to have the normal preseason to establish himself. The other two I agree with, although I think the plan all along is to have heavy doses of BOTH Singletary and Moss (although Moss will get phased in much like Singletary was behind Gore). I'm more excited about AJ Epenesa than most. I really liked what I saw from the highlights and videos I went back and watched after we drafted him. I hope he gets a lot of playing time.

 

I think the opposite, if Norman is close to the level he was in Carolina, he'll win the job.  I don't view Singletary and Moss as a competition at all, more that they will just compliment eachother.  Could see by late in the year Singletary id nicked up, so start using Moss much more.

[Einstein's Dog]

I think the OP missed the first competition.  The CB competition is  between Josh Norman and Gaines.

 

The weak link of the 2019 defense of Wallace/Johnson has been gutted.  The Norman/Gaines winner not only will be better but brings the entire defense to a significantly higher level by making the weakest component a strength.  Both Norman and Gaines have shown they can be excellent in the past, odds are one of the two still has  it.

[Brianmoorman4jesus]

The RB thing is silly. Almost every team uses 2 guys now. They both are going to play a lot. Who “starts” is semantics.

[TigerJ]

I don't see there there is going to be a huge battle between Singletary and Moss.  I think McDermott wants to have a relatively equal split in carries between the two of them.  Yes, the Bills will list one of them as a starter at the beginning of the season, but if they have an equal number of carries, so what?  It will take time during the season to determine if either of them can be relied on to have a greater impact long term, but that is something that will sort itself out when the time comes, and not before.

[MJS]

22 hours ago, Einstein's Dog said:

I think the OP missed the first competition.  The CB competition is  between Josh Norman and Gaines.

 

The weak link of the 2019 defense of Wallace/Johnson has been gutted.  The Norman/Gaines winner not only will be better but brings the entire defense to a significantly higher level by making the weakest component a strength.  Both Norman and Gaines have shown they can be excellent in the past, odds are one of the two still has  it.

Well I disagree. Wallace is totally in the mix.

[djp14150]

On 7/29/2020 at 4:08 PM, MJS said:

AFC training camp battles to watch: Patriots QB, Bills RB, more

 

Gregg Rosenthal - AROUND THE NFL EDITOR

 

https://www.nfl.com/news/afc-training-camp-battles-to-watch-patriots-qb-bills-rb-more

 

6 - Buffalo Bills

CB · Josh Norman vs. Levi Wallace

 

Norman is the heavy favorite here because of his relationship with coach Sean McDermott and his $6 million contract. But he's now 32 years old, deep into his decline phase. McDermott's magic touch with the secondary will be tested.

 

12 - Buffalo Bills

DE · Trent Murphy vs. Mario Addison vs. A.J. Epenesa

 

Buffalo's pass rush was a quiet weakness last season, so general manager Brandon Beane added an old friend from Carolina (Addison) and a high pick (second-rounder Epenesa) to compete for the spot opposite Jerry Hughes. Murphy, an expensive free agent signing in 2018, could wind up anywhere from the starting lineup to off the roster.

 

13 - Buffalo Bills

RB · Devin Singletary vs. Zack Moss

 

Singletary has already proven himself, ranking among the 10 most elusive backs last season (minimum 100 carries), according to PFF. Moss is a similarly slashing runner who, like Singletary, was a third-round pick brought in to share to load and possibly steal goal-line work. Moss will have to prove himself quickly because Singletary is too legit to sit for long.

 

...

 

I'm not sure I agree on the Normon vs Wallace take. I think Wallace is the heavy favorite, especially given that Norman is not going to have the normal preseason to establish himself. The other two I agree with, although I think the plan all along is to have heavy doses of BOTH Singletary and Moss (although Moss will get phased in much like Singletary was behind Gore). I'm more excited about AJ Epenesa than most. I really liked what I saw from the highlights and videos I went back and watched after we drafted him. I hope he gets a lot of playing time.

 

 

2 of the 3 are not battles....

 

you have RB rotations and you regularly play 3CBs.

[Punching Bag]

On 7/31/2020 at 5:39 PM, Einstein's Dog said:

I think the OP missed the first competition.  The CB competition is  between Josh Norman and Gaines.

 

The weak link of the 2019 defense of Wallace/Johnson has been gutted.  The Norman/Gaines winner not only will be better but brings the entire defense to a significantly higher level by making the weakest component a strength.  Both Norman and Gaines have shown they can be excellent in the past, odds are one of the two still has  it.

 

Gaines won.  He got to opt out list first.

[Einstein's Dog]

5 hours ago, Limeaid said:

 

Gaines won.  He got to opt out list first.

Gaines chickened out.  IMO, there is no competition at this point Norman, starts alongside Tre.  

 

Wallace is a clear drop down in level of depth.  As a  matter of fact, I hope the real competition is for the backup CB spot between Wallace and the newcomer from Seattle.