News and Notes from Day Two of Buffalo Bills Training Camp

Jul 21, 2014; Pittsford, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) drops to pass under pressure by defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) during training camp at St John Fisher College. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

With the temperature at a balmy 90-degrees for the Buffalo Bills’ first afternoon practice, the defensive line turned up the heat on Monday and set the tone for day two of camp. With the front four generating a consistent pass-rush, Bills fans have to be excited with what new defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz has planned for this talented unit.

In the team session, defensive end Jerry Hughes stood out amongst the rest – picking up right where we he left off at mini-camp. If Jerry Hughes can provide consistent pressure off the edge, pro bowl defensive end Mario Williams should have no trouble racking up double-digit sacks this year. While Hughes had a great second day, he gave a lot credit to the secondary behind him.

"“The way that those back five, back seven guys cover, we have no choice but to get there because they make the quarterback check to his second and third reads.”"

With talented defensive tackles Marcell Dareus and Alan Branch still missing from the front four, the Bills have not even seen the full potential of their defensive line yet. Jim Schwartz should have a lot of fun creating twists, stunts and loops with this ultra talented group.

The offence had an average day on the offensive side of the ball. But rookie wide receiver Sammy Watkins stood out for the second day in a row, hauling in a couple big time catches that got the crowd cheering. At the rate Watkins is developing, him and running back C.J. Spiller could wreak havoc in the flats and slot all season long.

Other News and Notes from Day Two of Bills Training Camp:

– Marcell Dareus will try passing his conditioning test again on Thursday

After being placed on the active/non-football injury list yesterday, Dareus will return to the team tonight and look to possibly pass his conditioning test on Thursday, according to ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio.

Beyond his conditioning test, Dareus was in an Alabama court today trying to clear up his pending charges. With a potential punishment from the league looming over Dareus’ head, today seemed like another step in the right direction for the troubled defensive linemen.

Hopefully Dareus get everything straightened out and will be able to help the Bills on the field shortly.

Naaman Roosevelt returns for another stint with the Buffalo Bills. Can the Buffalo native crack the 2014 roster? Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

– Bills waive LB Williams and WR Barden; sign WR Roosevelt and DT Cohen

The Bills brought back a familiar face to the local Buffalo fan base on Monday, as the Bills signed former University of Buffalo standout Naaman Roosevelt to a contract, after he was released by the Detroit Lions. Roosevelt joins three other local Buffalo players on the roster in Derek Brim, Corey Graham and Mike Williams.

The signing of Landon Cohen has defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz’s hand prints all over it. The former seventh-round pick of the Detroit Lions in 2008, will rejoin the Jim Schwartz squad this year as he coordinates the defensive attack. Cohen figures to battle for a spot throughout camp, but will more than likely see time as a 0 and 2 technique player during camp.

To make room for these signings, the Bills released LB Nathan Williams and WR Ramses Barden.

– Info surfaces on the potential sale price of the Bills

With the Buffalo Bills set to go up for sale in less than a month, I can give you 1.1 Billion reasons why investors are very interested in the Western New York franchise.

According to ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio, league sources have indicated that the Buffalo Bills would fetch a bid in the neighbourhood of $1.1 billion; far more than the projected $870 million Forbes estimated a few weeks ago.

With the potential bidders rumoured to be ranging from Sabres owner Terry Pegula, to real estate mogul Donald Trump, to rock star Jon Bon Jovi, the situation continues to be hazy to say the least. But one thing we can be certain of, is that anybody who wants to own the Buffalo Bills will pay a pretty penny.

– Rookie Cyrus Kouandjio is impressed with the Bills fan base

After spending three seasons in the passionate football community of Tuscaloosa, Alabama, home of the University of Alabama Crimson Tide, rookie right tackle Cyrus Kouandjio got used to seeing a flurry of fans at practices. But after two days of practice, Kouandjio couldn’t help but notice how great the Bills fan base was, too; even comparing the Bills fan base to that of the Crimson Tide’s.

Kouandjio said that “it’s different up here, it’s different. They’re a lot more into it. I like all the dressing. That’s the NFL I guess. That’s NFL football.”

I’m sure Bills fans are glad to hear that the former Alabama standout is enjoying his time in Buffalo already. Keep up the good work Bills Mafia!