Bills sitting most of starters for preseason clash with Browns

The Buffalo Bills are taking a cautious approach into their second preseason matchup with the Cleveland Browns. Josh Allen and most of the team’s established starters will watch from the sideline. According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, Buffalo’s coaching staff made the decision after getting extensive evaluations during joint practices in Berea and an encouraging preseason-opening performance.

Sure, a handful of younger starters could receive limited work. However, the game will primarily function as an audition for players battling for roster spots. With Allen wearing a headset instead of a helmet, veteran backup Kyle Allen should start at quarterback. Meanwhile, Shane Buechele should also receive significant snaps. The contest gives head coach Joe Brady and defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard an important opportunity to evaluate depth across the offensive line, wide receiver group and second level of the defense.

Buffalo enters the matchup after an offseason of significant structural change. Following a divisional-round playoff exit, the Bills moved on from Sean McDermott and promoted Brady to head coach. Leonhard was hired to reshape the defense around a versatile 3-4 scheme. General manager Brandon Beane also made a major splash by acquiring DJ Moore from the Chicago Bears.

Buffalo strengthened its defense with Bradley Chubb, CJ Gardner-Johnson, Geno Stone, and Dee Alford. They also added edge rusher TJ Parker in the draft. The Bills then opened their preseason with a 29-14 victory in their new $2.1 billion Highmark Stadium. With the regular season approaching, however, Buffalo’s attention against Cleveland will be squarely on the players trying to earn their place on the final roster.

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