PITTSFORD, N.Y. — The wait to see quarterback Josh Allen play with the revamped Buffalo Payments offense can be brief. Coach Sean McDermott introduced on Thursday that Allen and the primary staff will play a few quarter on Saturday towards 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 mentioned. “It is an essential step, laborious to simulate the velocity of the sport and so getting that in preseason is essential, going by way of warmups and the vitality that comes with enjoying a recreation in entrance of followers, and having the ability to handle that. So, there’s a whole lot of causes for it, like I mentioned, it is simply one other step.”
The sport is anticipated to be notable for its quarterback play with No. 1 total decide Caleb Williams trending towards seeing his first preseason motion, however that has not but been introduced.
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In 2023, Allen didn’t play within the first preseason recreation, however he did play three collection within the second preseason recreation and briefly within the third.
“We’ll simply take it one week at a time,” McDermott mentioned on Allen’s preseason play time. “So, you realize, there’s a lot 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 got 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 enjoying towards the Bears would be the first alternative to see how a few of the new additions to the offense, resembling rookie extensive receiver Keon Coleman, look in a recreation setting. Among the many offensive gamers coping with accidents are operating again Ty Johnson (hamstring), and extensive 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 mentioned Wednesday on doubtlessly enjoying 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 means 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 obtained a while.”
The sport is anticipated to be notable for its quarterback play with No. 1 total decide Caleb Williams set to see his first NFL motion. Bears coach Matt Eberflus mentioned that Williams and non-injured starters will play in Buffalo for a “vary of performs,” however wouldn’t specify a certain quantity.
“[Williams has] been getting a whole lot of good reps with our one protection so I feel it’s going to really feel much 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, be capable of ship the ball, preserve your eyes downfield and actually simply the operation of it,” Eberflus mentioned. “Get out and in of the huddle. No pre-snap penalties. Clear operation.”
