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| Monday, July 14 Updated: August 19, 12:59 PM ET Bills: Training camp report Pro Football Weekly |
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In Pro Football Weekly's third and final installment of training-camp reports, we look at the good (biggest positive), the bad (biggest disappointment) and the ugly (injury update) factors surrounding every team halfway through the 2003 preseason. We also set our sights on a rookie to watch on each team, for whatever the reason. Parts 1 and 2 are below. Aug. 19 Biggest positive: Drew Bledsoe said earlier this summer that anything short of the playoffs will be considered a disappointment, and the whole team seems to have that same mentality. The Bills have shown a new attitude and display the swagger of a playoff team, which is something that has been missing in recent years. Biggest disappointment: On a team with a lot of good vibes, one of the few disappointments has been the fact that rookie running back Willis McGahee has not been healthy enough to give the Bills any kind of a clear signal as to when his knee will be ready. It would be nice to know more about his status, but it just hasn't happened yet. Injury update: The Bills have been fortunate enough to avoid any real injuries of significance. Other than the typical bumps and bruises, only linebacker Takeo Spikes' groin strain that kept him out of the preseason game vs. the Titans is noteworthy. Rookie to watch: Defensive end Chris Kelsay, the team's second-round pick, is in a position battle he can win on the left side. Veteran Marcus Jones' knee problems are improving, but he's not yet there. Ryan Denney has looked good, but Kelsay has the inside track if he plays well from here on out. Part 2, Aug. 12 Veteran to watch: Wide receiver Josh Reed will need to step up in his second year in the league and work hard to replace as much of Peerless Price's production as he can. Reed looked as though he could handle the promotion to the No. 3 wideout spot last season, and the Bills will need him to be a run-after-the-catch threat in the No. 2 spot to take pressure off the running game and his cohort, Eric Moulds. Players on the verge: It seems as though the Bills' biggest weakness last season -- pass rush from the defensive end spot -- will be addressed nicely this year. Aaron Schobel has improved each season and could break out in a big way in this, his third NFL go-around. Meanwhile, Ryan Denney, a disappointment as a rookie, has lit it up early in camp. If Denney can keep it up, the Bills' prayers for a youthful, promising pass-rush tandem will be answered. Strongest position: With running backs Travis Henry and Olandis Gary and fullbacks Sam Gash and Sammy Morris in the fold, and first-round pick Willis McGahee waiting in the wings, there's no denying that the Bills are quite set in their offensive backfield. McGahee doesn't even have to play this season, even if Henry infuriates coaches with persistent fumbling problems, because Gary is No. 2. Gash is an excellent blocker and locker-room guy, and Morris can fill in at fullback or running back in an emergency if need be. Weakest position: Though the Bills hope the defensive line will experience a rejuvenation, there isn't much proven depth there. After starters Pat Williams and Sam Adams at defensive tackle, the Bills are thin on talent. At defensive end, the Bills are long on names, but short on proven ability. Other than Denney and Schobel, only former Buccaneer Marcus Jones scares anyone, and he is coming off a serious knee injury. Part 1, July 18 Most significant change: Of all the new faces brought in by the Bills, OLB Takeo Spikes is the most significant. Not only does he provide an upgrade to an area of need, but he has the most talent of any of Buffalo's offseason additions. Reason for optimism: The Bills' defensive overhaul -- featuring top names like Spikes and DT Sam Adams -- should give the team and its fans something to get excited about. Cause for concern: Though the Bills will focus on the running game, the passing game could have trouble if new No. 2 WR Josh Reed doesn't effectively fill Peerless Price's shoes, and the team cannot find reliable No. 3 and No. 4 wideouts. Training-camp battle to watch: Left defensive end will be the position to watch all season, with veterans Marcus Jones and Ryan Denney battling rookie Chris Kelsay at a position that needs to generate more of a pass rush. Don't be surprised if: The Bills use their defensive revival to improve by two wins and make the playoffs.
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Material from Pro Football Weekly.
