Orchard Park, N.Y. — The Bills kicked off their 2025 preseason against the Giants on Saturday. Coach Sean McDermott rested quarterback Josh Allen but played many starters for the first two series. Over time, he’s leaned towards giving key players some live action to evaluate their readiness.
The Bills lost the game, 34-25, but they walked away with valuable insights. Here’s a look at how some players performed and what it means for the rest of the preseason.
Veteran Performances
Two veteran players, Joey Bosa and Tre’Davious White, were crucial for the Bills’ defensive strategy. Bosa, brought in to strengthen the pass rush, had a solid performance with effective rushes and run defense. Although there’s concern about his durability, he played 13 of the team’s first 17 snaps, showing he could maintain stamina.
In contrast, White struggled. The Giants targeted him frequently, and he found it challenging to contain receivers. Despite a strong training camp, this game raises questions about his current form moving forward.
Emerging Talent
Rookies T.J. Sanders and Deone Walker also showcased their abilities. Walker, at 6-foot-7 and 331 pounds, had strong pass-rushing moments. The Bills are hopeful he will be a future asset as a one-technique defensive tackle.
Sanders, although smaller at 6-foot-4 and 297 pounds, held his ground against double teams and showed promise in both run defense and pass-rushing. Many observers believe he could become a valuable player right from his rookie season.
Bright Spot in Defensive Backfield
Jordan Hancock, a fifth-round pick, played mainly at safety due to injuries to others. He demonstrated good instincts and made key plays, hinting at potential as a future starter. His ability to anticipate plays was impressive, and he proved himself worthy of further evaluation.
Lineup Clarity
This preseason game helped clarify the defensive line’s hierarchy. The first-string defensive ends were Rousseau and Bosa, followed by Hoecht and Epenesa, with Solomon and Jackson rounding out the rotation. At defensive tackle, Oliver and Jones were the starters, with Ogunjobi and Carter coming in second.
Quick Updates
- Injury Watch: Projected starting safety Cole Bishop and wide receiver Curtis Samuel returned to warmups, signaling progress. However, their game status remains uncertain.
- Versatile Shenault: McDermott utilized Laviska Shenault in various roles, from returning kicks to coverage, highlighting his flexibility.
- Lundt’s Adaptability: Rookie Chase Lundt played both left tackle and right guard, showing his potential flexibility along the offensive line.
Conclusion
While the Bills faced a loss, they gathered crucial insights to shape their roster. The mix of veterans and newcomers will play a key role in how the team evolves this season. Fans are eager to see how these young talents can grow and how the returning players will regain their form before the regular season begins. The preseason is just the starting point, and there’s plenty left to uncover.
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