‘”When you see my cleats laced up and my helmet and shoulder pads on, there ain’t gonna be no hesitation. Because you can’t play this game like that. You’ll put yourself at more risk by hesitating. When I’m out there, I’m just not thinking twice, I’m just playing my game and playing how I was taught to play since I was my little brother’s age.”‘
BillsBeat - August 13, 2023
Damar Hamlin Makes Big Stop on 4th Down in First Game Action Back With Bills
‘In his first drive back, Hamlin made a crucial tackle on fourth-and-short, stopping Colts running back Evan Hull from getting the first down and forcing a turnover on downs.’
Did Damar Hamlin play today? Bills safety makes 'remarkable' return for first preseason game since cardiac arrest
‘The Bills didn’t play Hamlin for the entire game, sticking to the traditional plan of rotating different groups of players, but the third-year safety racked up three tackles before coming out.’
Bills win their first preseason game of the season over the Colts
‘The Bills got off to a quick start, intercepting Anthony Richardson, two plays later James Cook punches it in to give the Bills an early lead. Matt Barkley led the Bills going 13-14 for 156 yards, and two touchdowns reliving Kyle Allen who started the first half for the Bills. The Colts won the turnover battle only turning the ball over once.’
Barkley takes the early lead to be Josh Allen's backup
‘On Saturday, Barkley was close to perfect making some really nice throws that included two touchdowns. Overall the 32-year-old was 14-of-15 for 172 yards and the two scores.’
Bills safety Damar Hamlin see's today's game as just another milestone is getting back to who he is
‘Hamlin finished the game with three tackles in his limited action and said while there wasn’t any trepidation, he was feeling a lot of emotions today. “I was feeling everything all at once, but i’ve been doing a good job of staying around right minded people, good mindset coaches in my life and good mentors as far as the team….pressure only lives inside of us, as long as you don’t let it portray your actions you can keep it under control.”’
Sean McDermott wants the Bills more consistent following the teams 23-19 win over the Colts
‘“I thought there were some good things, we showed moments of our standard that we hold ourselves to, but not enough though. We have to be more consistent starting with penalties, more discipline on pre snap penalties because it hurts you.”’
Opinion: Capaccio: Arrow Up/Arrow Down: Preseason Colts at Bills
‘Murray continued his strong training camp by collecting 39 total yards. The 33-year old looked fresh and fast.’
Buffalo Bills open preseason with 23-19 win over Indianapolis Colts
‘The Bills jumped out of the gate early with a Dane Jackson interception two minutes into the game. Jackson caught an errant pass from Colts first-round pick Anthony Richardson intended for former Bills wideout Isaiah McKenzie. The Bills made the most of great field position, taking a 7-0 lead two plays later on an eight-yard touchdown from James Cook.’
Damar Hamlin gets first game action since Cincinnati; Makes big 4th down stop
‘“It’s a blessing,” said Hamlin. “I keep talking about the challenge. But, how many people get to say they overcome something, a hurdle this big in their life and still be here to tell the story of it?”’
Observations from the field: Folks, we're so back
‘Don’t judge this competition after just one game. But do know, that the gap between Kyle Allen and Matt Barkley is a lot closer than many expected to be thus far.’
5 players that impressed in the Buffalo Bills Preseason opener
‘The sample size was small, but Cook made the most of his limited work on Saturday. Cook had four carries for 20 yards and a touchdown and saw his day end after just two offensive possessions. Cook had already emerged as the leader in the clubhouse to be the Bills’ feature running back this season and made a strong first impression to start the preseason.’
Buffalo Bills fans excited for the new year at the start of preseason
‘Fans showed up at Highmark Stadium several hours before the game, despite a threat of rain and this game not counting in the standings.’
4 Observations: Bills win preseason opener
‘Going into training camp, Kyle Allen seemed to be the clear cut backup to Josh Allen but Kyle struggled some at camp and wasn’t great in the first half of the Colts game. Meanwhile, after Matt Barkley took over the offense in the second half the offense looked much better. Barkley finished 14/15 with 172 yds and 2 passing touchdowns. Kyle Allen looked like a player who is still trying to work his way through the mental side of the offense and Barkley looked like a player who has been in the Bills system several seasons. After the game, Sean McDermott said the backup quarterback job is an open competition, something that most didn’t think would be the case when Kyle Allen signed with Buffalo this offseason.’
Bills 3 position battles: Where things stand after preseason opener vs. Colts
‘Dane Jackson started opposite of Tre’Davious White and made an impact right out the gate, intercepting Colts rookie quarterback Anthony Richardson on Indy’s opening drive, setting up the Bills with great field position, at the Colts 13-yard line. Jackson is trying to solidify a starting job once again, competing with last year’s first-round pick, Kaiir Elam and 2022 sixth-round pick, Christian Benford. Elam and Benford haven’t done anything to pull ahead of Jackson so far this summer and both had defensive pass interference called against them.’