Dennis Thurman: Impressions of the Bills Defense

Bills Head Coach Joe Brady addressed the media on August 22, 2026 after the Bills 31-7 preseason win over the Browns. He shared his emotions on the tragic loss of Ed Oliver's son, the team's performance in the victory, dealing with the weather, the play of WRs Trent Sherfield & Ja'Mori Maclin, tackling, the kicking of Tyler Bass and what the team accomplished in the joint practice.

Bills Quarterback Josh Allen addressed the media after joint practice with the Cleveland Browns on August 20th, 2026. Topics Include: What the Bills accomplished in joint practice with the Browns, connection with TE Dalton Kincaid, pros and cons of joint practices, growth from his first year in the league to now, TE Jackson Hawes as a player and teammate, what he's seen from RB Ian Wheeler, chatting with Browns QB Deshaun Watson, energy from both offensive and defensive sides of the ball at joint practice, impressions of Browns Defense, how to cut down sacks, and decision making.

Bills Head Coach Joe Brady addressed the media before joint practice with the Cleveland Browns on August 20th, 2026. Topics Include: Goals for joint practice, benefits of joint practice for starters, on whether or not starters will play in preseason game 2, expectations for QB Josh Allen this season, accountability and discipline expectations of team during joint practice, addition of DL Greg Gaines, punt returner role, injury updates and RB Ty Johnson, the Fullback role and Ben VanSumeren, and how to challenge QB Josh Allen on a daily basis.

Bills Defensive Coordinator Jim Leonhard addressed the media before practice on practice on August 18th, 2026. Topics Include: CB Kani Walker, what he saw from the Bills defense in preseason game 1, being in the press box for preseason game 2 compared to being on the sidelines, what he is seeing from DL Landon Jackson—playing with confidence, physicality in practice, ILB Terrel Bernard being a student of the game and moving well, CB Max Hairston getting back and playing with the right tempo, DL Deone Walker flashing his ability in preseason game 1, depth at Outside Linebacker—one of the deepest positions for the Bills, plans for OLB Michael Hoecht, DB Jordan Hancock flashing in the preseason game—playing fast and violent, working on different combos, finding the right roles on defense, OLB Mike Danna producing and being a steady guy, and the DL Phidarian Mathis suspension as part of the evaluation.

Quarterback Josh Allen addressed the media after the 29-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Topics include; playing time in the preseason, having HC Joe Brady on the sideline, what he say in Wide Receiver Dj Moore, and on the sight lines in the stadium.

Head Coach Joe Brady addressed the media after the 29-14 victory over the Carolina Panthers. Topics include; the operation in his first game as an NFL head coach, how well the defense played, DJ Moore's outstanding play, seeing Josh Allen playing in preseason, Deone Walker become a better player in year two, and the energy the team had throughout the game.

Quarterback Josh Allen addressed the media after practice on Thursday August 13th. Topics include: playing time in Saturday's game, the new environment of the new stadium, seeing his defense he has practiced against in action, the quarterback room, and stretching the ball down the field.

Bills Head Coach Joe Brady addressed the media before practice on August 13, 2026. Topics Include: on playing starters—everyone healthy will be playing on Saturday, plans for Saturday playtime/snap counts, players getting into routines, QB Josh Allen playing and as a competitor, WR DJ Moore's developing chemistry with Josh Allen, the added element Moore brings to the offense, updates on camp injuries, getting a feel for the new stadium at Return of Red and Blue, the environment of new Highmark Stadium, the various position competitions, Pete Carmichael will be up in the press box this week, what he is seeing from healthy WR Joshua Palmer, what he is seeing from ILB Keonta Jenkins, and what he wants to see from the team as practice translates to a game.

Bills tackle Spencer Brown addressed the media on August 11, 2026. He discussed the team's preparations on offense, what he's seen from the WRs & rookie Jude Bowry, his breakfast routine and OL coach Pat Meyer.

Bills WR Keon Coleman addressed the media on August 11, 2026. He discussed his mindset preparing for the season, team goals, what he's seen from fellow WRs including DJ Moore & Joshua Palmer, his connection with Josh Allen and relationship with head coach Joe Brady.

Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard addressed the media on August 11, 2026. He discussed the schedule for the starters in preseason, communication on defense, what he's looking for in the preseason opener, and player growth.

Cornerback Dee Alford addressed the media after practice on Monday August 10th. Topics include: fitting into the Bills culture, playing inside to outside cornerback, going against DJ Moore in practice, comparing his game to Taron Johnson's, and Christian Benford being a great communicator on the field.

Defensive Lineman Landon Jackson addressed the media after practice on Monday August 10th. Topics include: gaining weight for the upcoming season, playing in a new defensive scheme, and playing various position on the line this offseason.

Offensive Coordinator Pete Carmichael addressed the media prior to practice on Monday August 10th. Topics include: going to the Hall of Fame to see QB Drew Brees induction ceremony, DJ Moore's impact on the offense, how second year tight end Jackson Hawes has grown, will he be up in the booth or sideline for Saturday's game, and what he has learned about James Cook.

Bills Guard O'Cyrus Torrence addressed the media after the Return of the Blue and Red practice on Saturday August 8th. Topics include: signing his new contract extension, what it means for his family, how his family responded to the news, stepping up as a teammate, and when he knew Buffalo was a special place.

Bills Head Coach Joe Brady addressed the media after the Return of the Blue and Red practice on Saturday August 8th. Topics include: the first practice in the new stadium, the team's first experience in the stadium, being a rookie head coach in his home stadium, getting a look at second team players, the importance of a new center, improving everyday, and an injury update.

Bills quarterback Josh Allen addressed the media on August 7, 2026. He discussed the cool experiences ahead at Highmark Stadium, what the team achieved at training camp, what Bills guard O'Cyrus Torrence brings to the team, what he's seen from the team's wide receivers, OL competition and the effect of OC Pete Carmichael.

Bills President of Football Operations & GM Brandon Beane addressed the media on August 7, 2026. He discussed the contract extension with Bills guard O'Cyrus Torrence & what he's brought to the team, the final day at training camp and the first practice ahead at Highmark Stadium.

Bills Head Coach Joe Brady addressed the media on August 7, 2026. He discussed evaluating his first training camp as head coach, the first practice in Highmark Stadium on Saturday & what he will be looking for, the play of Bills guard O'Cyrus Torrence, chemistry between Josh Allen & DJ Moore, and more.

Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard addressed the media on August 6, 2026. He discussed competition at training camp for roles, what he's seen from the rookies, intensity during practice, and his impressions of certain players so far.

Bills WR Khalil Shakir addressed the media after training camp practice on August 4th. Topics include: his new perspective being a father, the recent baby boom on the team, the connection between Josh Allen and DJ Moore, the different looks the defense gives the offense, Joe Brady's first training camp as the head coach, and the excitement surrounding the new stadium.

Bills LB Terrel Bernard addressed the media on August 4, 2026. He discussed preparing for the season, the mental aspect of recovering from injuries, leadership, practicing in pads and the new defense under Jim Leonhard.

Bills special teams coordinator Jeff Rodgers addressed the media on August 4, 2026. He discussed the progress of Tyler Bass, kicking in a new stadium, and the competition for roster spots & positions on special teams.

Bills tackle Dion Dawkins addressed the media on August 3, 2026. He discussed his training camp so far, the vibe he gets from Josh Allen, expectations for James Cook, competition on the OL, and relationships with his teammates.

Bills TE Dalton Kincaid addressed the media on August 3, 2026. He discussed practices in the rain, building the offense in training camp under Pete Carmichael, changes entering his fourth season, and his focus during the offseason.