We are 11 days from the Buffalo Bills opener against the New York Jets, and hardcore fans, plus media members, are in search of answers towards key roster decisions and injuries. Throughout this session, information was provided, and several takeaways were made clear.  

To start his press conference, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott listed the Bills injury report for the day.

Out: Pat Dimarco, Jon Feliciano, Taiwan Jones, Jason Croom, Mario Addison, Vernon Butler, Bryan Cox, Dane Jackson, Levi Wallace.

Limited: Josh Norman, Stefon Diggs.

 

Takeaway No. 1: Questions remain at the CB position.

Josh Norman returns to practice today in a limited fashion after being out nearly 2 weeks.

I asked Sean McDermott if a week and a half is enough time to evaluate Norman vs. Levi Wallace for CB2 job.#Bills pic.twitter.com/qomvGHrIO7

— Jon Scott (@JonScottTV) September 2, 2020

What seemed to be a position that inspired confidence among Bills fans, has turned into one with considerable questions. Beyond All-Pro Tre’Davious White, the remaining pieces have been ravaged by preseason injuries. Wallace is dealing with a knee issue and Norman missed nearly two weeks before his limited appearance in the recent practice.

With those injuries, neither have emerged as the front runner for the CB2 position. McDermott is being cautious at this rate, and as time unfolds and game week approaches, a prognosis on the state of the position should become clearer.

Takeaway No. 2: The defensive line will likely hold a committee-like approach.

Sean McDermott said "it may be a committee-type approach" on the defensive line, which he's totally fine with. Adds that the best defenses he's been around have had that committee-type approach on the DL.

— Sal Capaccio 🏈 (@SalSports) September 2, 2020

Pass rush and talent among your front four is of the utmost importance. The Bills made numerous valuable additions along the defensive line, including AJ Espenesa, Butler, Quinton Jefferson and Mario Addison. In today’s news conference, McDermott exuded a willingness to use a committee-like approach in order to maximize the talents of all. The defenses he has been around, have all used that approach successfully and in this upcoming year his personnel could equate to similar success and defensive achievement. Rotating your front and keeping in fresh legs will strengthen overall stamina, effectiveness and efficiency.

Takeaway No. 3: Diggs is adjusting well to the culture

#Bills Sean McDermott: "It's been interesting and fun to watch [Brown's] relationship with Stefon grow and then really Stefon's relationship with the guys who have been here… I just really appreciate the dynamic in that room."

He says the WRs have taken an unselfish approach.

— Carly Mascitti (@carlymascitti) September 2, 2020

While opinions of Diggs have been mixed, he seems to have built a fantastic dynamic with members of the Bills receiving room. In order for quarterback Josh Allen to take the next step in his development, his receivers must be on the same page and work in unison. Diggs and John Brown pushing one another and the depth in the room to be better with such a positive culture, will provide a positive prognosis on the emergence of this core.

 

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