Bills Preseason Opener Instant Reaction - That Was Kinda Sexy

The Buffalo Bills opened the preseason with a 29–14 win over the Carolina Panthers, and Patrick Moran is live shortly after the final whistle with his biggest takeaways. While nobody should plan the Super Bowl parade after one exhibition game, Buffalo’s new-look offense delivered plenty of encouraging signs under head coach Joe Brady. Josh Allen and the starting offense attacked downfield, with Khalil Shakir and DJ Moore making an immediate impact. Moore looked like the reliable, physical receiving threat Buffalo lacked last season, while Keon Coleman caught the first touchdown in the new Highmark Stadium. On defense, Deone Walker continued to flash star potential with a disruptive performance that included a sack and multiple plays near the line of scrimmage. Patrick also breaks down the players who helped their roster chances, including Jordan Hancock, Jalen Kilgore, Mike Danna, Javon Solomon and Kanai Walker. He examines the backup quarterback competition, the battle at left guard, Buffalo’s punt-return options and the crowded races at cornerback, safety, linebacker, running back and along the offensive line. It wasn’t all positive. The Bills committed nine penalties for 98 yards, the offensive tackles struggled in pass protection and Tyler Bass missed an early field goal before recovering. Patrick also discusses difficult outings for Jude Bowery, Chase Lundt, Toriano Pride Jr. and Geno Stone, plus why Ty Johnson’s absence could affect the running back picture after strong performances from Ian Wheeler and Frank Gore Jr. Key Takeaways Buffalo’s starting offense showed a more aggressive, downfield passing approach, producing three completions of at least 20 yards during its first two drives. DJ Moore made an immediate impression with his separation, reliable hands and willingness to play physically, while Khalil Shakir and Keon Coleman also contributed. Deone Walker looked dominant and reinforced the belief that he could develop into a star on Buffalo’s defensive front. Several depth players improved their roster cases, including Jordan Hancock, Jalen Kilgore, Mike Danna, Javon Solomon and Kanai Walker. Penalties and pass protection were the biggest concerns, with Buffalo finishing with nine penalties for 98 yards and several offensive tackles enduring rough performances. Also Discussed Injury updates on Max Hairston, Cole Bishop, Connor McGovern, Ty Johnson and other inactive Bills Joe Brady’s decision to receive the opening kickoff and establish an aggressive tone Keon Coleman’s projected role and Buffalo’s punt-return competition Whether the Bills still need to pursue a major defensive tackle addition The left guard battle and the competition for backup center Dorian Williams’ competition at linebacker Kyle Allen’s strong performance in the QB2 race Ray Davis, Ian Wheeler, Frank Gore Jr. and the running back depth chart Damar Hamlin versus Geno Stone in the safety competition The atmosphere and first preseason game at the new Highmark Stadium The Talking Buffalo online merch store is now live! You can purchase t shirts, hoodies, zip ups, crewnecks and polos in a couple of different styles and colors. Visit our online page for pricing and options and while there, check out Buf on Weck for tons of cool gear! Please be sure to subscribe to Talking Buffalo on the audio side, even if you usually watch the show via YouTube. Several of the links to follow Talking Buffalo can be found right here. Also if you’re not yet subscribed to Talking Buffalo on YouTube, please do so and be sure to hit the LIKE button on the videos, it really helps with the algorithm! ♦♦♦♦♦ Follow Patrick Moran/Talking Buffalo Podcast  Substack: Patrick Moran’s Substack Twitter: @PatrickMoranTB Blue Sky: @PatrickMoranTB.bsky.social Instagram: @PatrickMoranTB Facebook: Talking Buffalo Podcast  Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.