Buffalo Bills Training Camp Underway, Rex Ryan Era Begins

Matt Cassel #16 getting set to take opening snaps at Bills training camp [Dale Mussen][/caption]If efficiency is any gauge of the prospects of a pro football team, the Buffalo Bills are off to a good start.  Day One of the Rex Ryan era was scheduled for a morning workout from 10 am to 12 noon.  The workout began at exactly 10 o'clock and ended at exactly 12 noon.  And in that two hours the Bills split up into various units for drills, then came together for the final 45 minutes to work 11 on 11.  And not a minute was wasted.

Quarterback is the biggest question for the Bills this season.  Coach Ryan has said it's an open competition for the starting job and the back-up job as well.  So who gets the starting reps on the first day of training camp?  Ryan went with Matt Cassel because entering his 11th season he has the most NFL experience.  Fifth-year man Tyrod Taylor was up next and finally EJ Manuel.

EJ Manuel tethered to a bungee cord during a quarterback drill at Bills training camp [Dale Mussen][/caption]Afterward Ryan said nothing was decided on Day One and he won't be quick to judge.  From my point of view I just didn't see anything promising from Manuel.  He still looked tentative and just didn't have the zip or accuracy we were hoping for.  The other quarterbacks really didn't look any better, so it's an area that will probably be a major concern right up until the end of camp.

Receiver Sammy Watkins looked very good.  The Bills top pick from last year has shaken off the injuries that slowed him last year and despite the inaccurate quarterbacks, he looked tremendous.  He reached over cornerback Stephon Gilmour and almost made a spectacular catch of a ball that looked like he didn't have any chance at.

With cornerback Leodis McKelvin nursing an injury, receiver Percy Harvin filled in on defense.  It was something he and coach Ryan had talked about in the offseason.

Offensively, the Bills look a lot different this year because of all the formations and pre-snap shifts they use.  Offensive coordinator Greg Roman was known for using it at Stanford and with the 49ers and he's brought it to the Bills.  It's designed to keep  defenses off balance and it'll likely take a while before everybody fully absorbs it.  It's anything but a basic offense.

Training camp continues with 10 am to noon sessions Saturday and Sunday and their first evening workout Monday from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm.  Opening preseason game is Friday, August 14th at home against the Carolina Panthers.