Von Miller flashes, Keon Coleman gets physical

Orchard Park, NY — The Buffalo Bills held their final open organized team activities (OTA) practice on Tuesday, and the offense devolved into a sloppy performance.

Pre-snap penalties were prevalent, and the defense increased the intensity when allowed to defend against a unit that was still getting new plays on the same page.

The defensive line took center stage with several big plays throughout the drive. The secondary intervened by creating an interception. Here are some observations from Tuesday’s practice.

Von Miller is starting to look good

The speed, pop and curvature of the edge is something that just hasn’t been the same for Miller since he tore his ACL on Thanksgiving in 2022. He said he couldn’t get through it. coaching last season without a knee brace, which he threw away. this offseason and during OTAs. Miller still wants to play a few more seasons, and he showed some signs Tuesday — albeit in an unpadded practice — that that might be possible.

Miller had two sacks on the day, making life difficult for veteran tackle La’el Collins. He flew off the edge and missed Collins on his way to the touchdown for a sack on quarterback Josh Allen. Then, later in practice, Miller won on an inside run against Collins and connected with Greg Rousseau at quarterback for another sack. Rousseau beat Ryan Van Demark on the other side of the line.

Keon Coleman ready to show off his physique

Coleman will be tested every day this summer in his trial by fire against all the best the Bills secondary has to offer. On Tuesday, Coleman faced third-year cornerback Ja’Marcus Ingram at one point for two memorable plays.

The first was a physical exchange in which both players locked up, fought off the field and pushed up the defensive sideline. After the two finally separated, Coleman lowered his head and returned to the offensive group. Then he ran for another rep against Ingram. This time, the rookie set up the defensive back with some nice footwork and beat him on his route to get wide open. The only problem was that the ball went to the other side of the field.

Ingram is well-positioned to get a deep job with the Bills if he can showcase his skills this summer. The Bills could add a veteran cornerback before training camp begins, but Ingram has already played snaps in the regular season for Buffalo. They like him and he has a chance of finding a job. Fights with Coleman should be entertaining – especially once the pads are activated.

New linebacker eliminates Josh Allen

Matt Milano continues to recover from a broken leg last season, and the Bills have a lot of new depth linebackers trying to make some noise during OTAs. Dorian Williams also did not participate on Tuesday. So, enter Deion Jones, who had a chance to make a splash with veteran Nicholas Morrow, who wasn’t in attendance.

Jones took advantage.

Allen came back to pass an 11-on-11 play and thought he could put a floater over the top of the defense. But safety Damar Hamlin came into the play and tipped it through the air. Jones flew in and made the interception as the defense celebrated.

Buy Chase Claypool Stock; MVS connects with Allen

Claypool has been the Bills’ most consistent receiver during OTAs and sets the stage for what should be a run on the 53-man roster. He made the most explosive play of the day, catching a deep bomb from backup quarterback Mitch Trubisky at 11-on-11. Once he gets past his defender, it’s hard for safeties to catch up and the rookie Cole Bishop learned this lesson about the game, which would have been worth a touchdown in a game.

Márquez Valdez-Scantling has been mostly quiet since signing shortly before the start of OTAs. But the big, speedy receiver made his first big play with Allen on Tuesday, catching a nice pass about 25 yards downfield after beating Christian Benford. Taylor Rapp had a chance to play, but the pitch and route were too good.

DeWayne Carter makes an impact

Carter never stops moving. He is lightning-fast to the line and runs at ball carriers until the whistle. His best play was on a big run, beating his block to land on the quarterback for a shared sack with Kingsley Jonathan. Veteran interior defensive lineman DeShawn Williams was not present, but Carter continues to excel in his opportunities.

Who else was not on the field

Fullback Reggie Gilliam and rookie linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio did not participate and did side work in the zone where injured players usually work during practice. Veteran safety Mike Edwards is still recovering from a shoulder injury and played part of the practice game. Spencer Brown still only works on individual periods. Dawson Knox, Dion Dawkins, Dawuane Smoot, Justin Shorter, KJ Hamler and Rasul Douglas were also not present.

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