Bills giving Allen upgrades
Buffalo Bills (6-10)
• OPEN CAMP: July 25, Pittsford, N.Y.
• LAST YEAR: Focus on building through youth and freeing up salary cap space led to predictable struggles. Though defence allowed second-fewest yards in NFL, offence endured ups and downs under rookie starting QB Josh Allen, and amid patchwork line and untested group of receivers. Allen went 2-3 before missing four games with sprained right throwing arm, and then displayed progress in closing season 3-3. Running back LeSean McCoy showed signs of aging. • IMPORTANT ADDITIONS: C Mitch Morse, WRs Cole Beasley and John Brown, rookie DT Ed Oliver, RBs Frank Gore and T.J. Yeldon, TE Tyler Kroft, CBs Kevin Johnson and EJ Gaines, rookie OT Cody Ford, OLs Ty Nsekhe, Jon Feliciano and Spencer Long, WR/return specialist Andre Roberts, and quarterbacks coach Ken Dorsey. • IMPORTANT LOSSES: DT Kyle Williams, QB Derek Anderson, TE Charles Clay, RB Chris Ivory, OLs Ryan Groy and John Miller.
• CAMP NEEDS: Key emphasis on establishing chemistry for what will be mostly retooled offence which could feature as many as eight new starters, including revamped line. Allen needs to continue developing as passer. Beasley missed most of spring recovering from core muscle surgery.
• EXPECTATIONS: After a step back, expectations are rising with GM Brandon Beane using his wealth of salary cap space to address numerous needs. A ninewin finish is not out of question, though much depends on how quickly newcomers jell, and so long as Allen continues showing progress given how much team invested in offensive upgrades.