ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (WHEC) – As the NFL preseason moves into its second week, the Buffalo Bills are aiming for a better performance compared to their recent game against the Chicago Bears.
While preseason results aren’t crucial, the Bills were decisively defeated by the Bears, 33-6, at Highmark Stadium.
On Tuesday, Josh Allen addressed the need for improvement before the team’s upcoming game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
“We need to bring a sense of urgency,” Allen stated. “Even though it’s preseason and the score is what it is, our standards shouldn’t be dictated by the outcome.”
The team’s struggle was evident on both sides of the ball against the Bears. The Bills’ quarterbacks were sacked eight times, Shane Buechele threw an interception for a touchdown, and Chicago outgained Buffalo by 140 yards.
Head coach Sean McDermott emphasized the importance of instilling the right mindset in both rookies and new veterans. “We need to ensure that everyone understands our approach, expectations, and standards,” McDermott said.
Preseason success hasn’t been a concern historically for the Bills under McDermott, who has led the team to a 14-8 record in these games since he began coaching in 2017.
However, the team’s veteran leadership has changed. Former leaders like Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Tre White, Mitch Morse, Stefon Diggs, and Gabe Davis are no longer with the team, creating an opportunity for new leaders to emerge.
“It’s important for new players to step up and naturally grow into leadership roles,” Allen noted. “I’m looking forward to seeing who rises to the occasion.”
With the season still far off, establishing leadership roles might take time, but the focus is on daily progress and preparing for the game against the Steelers on Saturday.
“It takes everyone working together, and our leaders are stepping up more,” Allen added. “We’ll be ready for the next game.”
The game against the Steelers kicks off at 7 p.m. at Acrisure Stadium on Saturday.
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