Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson makes a catch during Day 10 of training camp on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.
The Buffalo Bills played in nickel formation on defense more than any team in the league last season – 92% of snaps, per Football Outsiders. The Indianapolis Colts and Dallas Cowboys came next on the list, at 78%.
Taron Johnson has a lot to do with that.
“We knew the nickel position in this defense had to be a very valuable player,” said John Butler, the Bills defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator. “The front office and the coaching staff did a good job of identifying him and collectively developing him."
Nickel isn't the most glamorous role on a defense, but Johnson said he feels valued and knows he's valued.
He's steadily improved every season, but there is one specific area Johnson wants to get better at this year.
Katherine Fitzgerald has the story.
Observations: Tempers flare again, but Josh Allen doesn't mind: Another fight broke out on the second play of 11-on-11 work between defensive end Greg Rousseau and wide receiver Stefon Diggs. "You know, we've got a lot of talkers on this team ... so it's been a fun camp," Allen said. "It really has been. And I appreciate the intensity from both sides of the ball.” Mark Gaughan has the full report and observations from Thursday's practice in Pittsford. Read more
Here's Harry Scull Jr.'s photo gallery from Day 10 of camp. View photos
Bills fans won't stop sending toilet paper to Von Miller: Von Miller made a small comment about the toilet paper at St. John Fisher, just that it was "different." But you can always count on Bills fans to be Bills fans. “I had some really great toilet paper just show up outside of my dorm room," Miller said. Read more
Injury report: There is no "set timetable" for the return of Buffalo Bills All-Pro safety Jordan Poyer from an elbow injury suffered in training camp Tuesday, coach Sean McDermott told reporters Thursday. Here's the latest. Read more
Can the Buffalo Bills unlock O.J. Howard's gifts? They're giving it their best shot. Doing so would mean more two-tight end sets. "It’s just an extra piece that’s going to be a nightmare to defend for a defense.” Read more
NFL, others take minority stake in New Era: Major League Baseball, the National Football League and the National Basketball Association will become minority owners in New Era, giving three of its biggest sports partners a direct stake in the company. Read more
Attorney urges Goodell to do the right thing: From the AP: "A lawyer representing two dozen women who have accused Deshaun Watson of sexual assault or harassment says NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has a chance to 'do the right thing' now that the league has appealed a six-game suspension for the quarterback." Read more
NFL hoping to avoid injuries with helmet experiment: The league hopes those Guardian Caps lead to fewer injuries. They're getting mixed reviews. Read more
UB football: '4-8 is not a good look': Why UB linebacker James Patterson chose to return for a fifth season Read more
Photos: First day of UB Football Training Camp View photos
Baseball: Erik Brady: Curse of the Bambino's connection to Buffalo Read more
High schools: 25 to Watch: Jaden Crumpler, Niagara Falls, wrestling Read more
High school notes: Top basketball stars at BCANY festival, DeAngelis commits, Nichols prep hockey Read more
Basketball: With TBT championship in hand, UB's Blue Collar U sets sights on home-court advantage in 2023 Read more
Buffalo Sabres: Matteo Costantini looks to apply lessons learned at Sabres development camp with UND Read more
Today in sports history: Aug. 5
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A jury awarded $3.9 million to Jazmon Morrison, who suffered a traumatic brain injury and bulging disc after slipping on a floor at Williamsville Suburban Safire Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.
"Football fans are great but Bills Mafia is different," Miller said Thursday.
The move to the ABC affiliate is a big step down in market size since Buffalo is No. 52 in the nation and Charleston is No. 91, Pergament says.
"It’s a very, very unique, very nice piece of property, and it happens to be very well-run. I felt it fit into the overall hospitality venue that we have created in Buffalo," the developer said.
"Now is not the time to bring in a septuagenarian rock star with a megaphone who doesn’t even believe systemic racism exists," Watson writes.
It was good, man. I really felt at home right when I walked out the tunnel," defensive end Von Miller said. "So today was a good day for me.”
A crane operator died following an incident at or near the Mid River Marina in the Town of Tonawanda, a National Grid spokesperson said Wednesday afternoon.
Gabe Davis was the receiving star, and the Buffalo Bills’ offense put on an entertaining show for a big crowd Friday night at Highmark Stadium.
One thing that must be considered in Wall or Hall of Fame debates: If we let this guy in, are we swinging the door a lot more wide open?
While working toward building a $1.4 billion stadium for the Bills, Terry Pegula has been trying to broaden his investments and diversify his family’s assets.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson makes a catch during Day 10 of training camp on Thursday, Aug. 4, 2022.
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