1 – No decision on starting quarterbackIt's been a nip and tuck battle for the starting quarterback job in training camp, chiefly between Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor. Head coach Rex Ryan has maintained that not much should be read into the reps that each quarterback takes in practice, but EJ Manuel hasn't gotten nearly as many with the first team offense.
Ryan instead chooses to focus on how well all three quarterbacks have played in the preseason, which in his estimation has been very good. In fact heading into this competition he was hopeful that the three-man battle would see the play of each signal caller improve.
"This was the scenario I wanted," said Rex Ryan. "I wanted the scenario where all three guys performed at a high level. I think we have. When you look at the games I think all three guys have performed on a really high level. That's exactly what I was wanting. If I was a betting man going into it would I have said that. I'm not sure. But I'm glad it's working out the way it is."
Ryan said a starter for Saturday's preseason game against Pittsburgh will be decided in a day or two.
2 – Team just about ready for the seasonFor Rex Ryan it was his first training camp at St. John Fisher and he was pleased with how things unfolded on the Pittsford campus for his team. When coaches are placed in new surroundings with new procedures they can get concerned about getting all that needs to be accomplished in camp completed on time. As the team breaks camp Ryan feels they've done that.
"I think we got a lot done. In training camp it's kind of tough because you're installing new systems. At the same time you're evaluating your players and there's so much going into it and you hope your team is coming together," Ryan said. "I think we accomplished all that type of stuff. We're not complete, but we're way ahead of the game and as we get ready to break camp I couldn't be happier with it."
The veterans seemed particularly appreciative of their first camp with their new head coach.
"He did everything in his power to take care of us heading into the season," said Fred Jackson. "It's one that veterans really appreciated. Having us done every day by six or seven o'clock. We were able to get back to our rooms and get off of our feet and get the mental part of it. It was a camp that I think definitely allowed me to add some years to my NFL life. It's one that I'm appreciative to be a part of."
3 – Injured players getting closerSome of the more notable players who have been sidelined by injury were working along the sidelines during practice Tuesday. Boobie Dixon (calf), Percy Harvin (hip), LeSean McCoy (hamstring) and Sammy Watkins (hip) were all with the team's strength and conditioning coaches trying to take another step closer to being back on the field.
For Harvin it was the first time he was doing work along the sidelines during practice in almost two weeks.
"They've been blown away by his commitment and everything else in the training room," said Ryan of Harvin. "He's right on track, but it's good to see him out there . We had LeSean out there, Sammy was working. We're going to get them back, it's just sometimes you wish you would just have them now. But I'm confident we'll have most of these guys if not all of these guys back for the opener."
Ryan said it's looking good for Harvin to get some action in the preseason finale at Detroit.
Bonus Notes TE Charles Clay was pulled from practice early due to a minor knee problem. Ryan said he still expects Clay to play Saturday against Pittsburgh with the intent to rest him the following week at Detroit.
WR Andre Daviscontinues to make plays in the passing game and was one of the first players mentioned by Rex Ryan when he talked about players stepping up at receiver in the wake of all the injuries.
CB Ron Brooksand CB Stephon Gilmoreboth posted interceptions at the final camp practice.
The last weekend of Bills Training Camp 2015 was complete with a morning and night practice on a sunny weekend at St. John Fisher College.