Thoughts about starters during the rest of preseason

[Doc Brown]

Same as last year.  Play the one’s the first quarter to half of the last preseason game to help knock the rust off and get in rhythm for the Rams game.  You risk injury just getting out of bed in the morning.  It’s part of life.

Edited August 16, 2022 by Doc Brown

[Shay]

One quarter only   love to see the rookies get their time 

[Dr.Sack]

I wouldn’t play them until the regular season. Give them 17 games to figure it out. 

[Rochesterfan]

13 hours ago, DrDawkinstein said:

I'm still trying to figure out the new preseason plan across the league now that they're down to 3 preseason games. It USED to be, the 3rd game was the dress rehearsal with all the starters, and then the 4th game was for all the backups and deep roster battles.

 

Not sure if they bump it up and have week 2 be the starters rehearsal, and week 3 be the backup battles. Or if we wait until week 3 to play the starters.

 

Either way, I think they will get SOME time. They need to get out and have at least 1 series of live, full speed action.

 

I think playing the starters this week makes the most sense.

 

It seems to be varied.  I think most coaches would prefer the 3rd game be treated like the old 4th game, but with the cuts after game #1 and game #2  - you end up having to play some guys more than you want.

 

I expect you will see a series or 2 from the starters at home because that gives a couple of weeks to get ready and see what to work on. Then the starting 22 sit week 3, but the remaining guys get a lot of action.  
 

With the tiered cut approach and only 3 games - it almost forces teams into playing guys in game 3 they want to sit just because of depth and positional needs.

 

 

[machine gun kelly]

Although I voted no, I would be fine with one series in game 3, but that’s it.  Figure out this week who is our depth.

[Captain Hindsight]

I would kind of like to see Josh Allen go against 4th stringers just once just to see how amazing he is and some guy always has a great bar story about how Josh Allen effortlessly threw him to the ground 

[Greg S]

One series but no more than two. Seeing Zach Wilson get hurt is a reminder that getting out of these games healthy is the #1 priority.

[ddaryl]

16 hours ago, JÂy RÛßeÒ said:

Should starters see the field during preseason?

yes limited action 2nd game, a little more 3rd game

[JerseyBills]

I'd like to see the starting OL . Besides them I'd sit every other starter. I'm extremely confident in every other position groups 

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

For much of the same reason i don't like joint practices - you have to really limit time to prevent injuries.  

 

Some starters I'm fine with others not so much.  

 

I don't see a reason for Allen to play, or diggs, or von.  

[CountDorkula]

No,

 

There is zero reward to doing so and players from all over the league are saying so.

 

Preseason is for bubble roster battles and rookies. 

[gobills404]

I want them to decide on a starting OL and have them play at least a half together. Rest of the starters can can wrapped in bubble wrap.

[The Red King]

One or two series at home this week.  Let Allen and Co deal with the new OC and get rhythm down while thrilling the kids, then pull 'em.  There is always risk, so I'd pull them after two regardless of outcome, one if they looked good/sharp enough.

[BADOLBILZ]

17 hours ago, JÂy RÛßeÒ said:

Should starters see the field during preseason?

 

 

If they aren't going to play 6-8 series this preseason..........don't play them in any.

 

I don't see anything to gain from a series or two in each of the next couple games.

 

Also.........the reality is that the opener is one of the least strategically important games on their schedule...........if they were opening up with the Chiefs or Bengals.........I might see using starters in the preseason a bit differently.

[SoCal Deek]

The debate goes back and forth but I’ve always felt it was better to get the guys out there together for at least a full quarter so they can mesh in live action. Whether that quarter is in week two or three of preseason I’ll leave to the coaches. This is especially true for the offensive line, who really have to work as a cohesively timed unit. If you’re worried about injuries then it is that much different if someone goes down in the first series of Week One? Really? 

[Pine Barrens Mafia]

Yeah I'm good. No.

 

[Bob in STL]

Josh and Diggs only  need a few reps in each of the next 2 to knock rust off.  
 

The starting OL definitely needs to play a lot.   Some new players, a new OL coach, a new OC, and lots of OL starters missed camp.   The OL is the area I worry about on this team.  

[chris heff]

No Josh, no Miller, no Diggs, no Hyde.

[gonzo1105]

I read the poll and I can assure you the Buffalo Bills don’t give a damn about making the kids happy over staying healthy. You will see more starters but for a very short period of time. I expect Keenum with the same WRs and a better Oline for a very short period of time. 
 

Defensively your literally going to see the same defense as week 1

[CountDorkula]

1 hour ago, SoCal Deek said:

The debate goes back and forth but I’ve always felt it was better to get the guys out there together for at least a full quarter so they can mesh in live action. Whether that quarter is in week two or three of preseason I’ll leave to the coaches. This is especially true for the offensive line, who really have to work as a cohesively timed unit. If you’re worried about injuries then it is that much different if someone goes down in the first series of Week One? Really? 

This is 100% a fans expectation.

 

 

Players from all over the league say they don't need or see a reason to play in preseason.  Most of them play to not get hurt anyways.