Four Downs: Are the Buffalo Bills ready for prime time?

In the latest edition of Four Downs, I share some thoughts on the influx of prime-time games for the Buffalo Bills, the start of rookie minicamp, and the announcement of the team’s undrafted free agents.

The Prime-Time Buffalo Bills

Each year when the NFL schedule is released, a regular talking point for Bills fans is how many prime-time games the team received. Usually that’s been followed by complaining about the lack of respect, a lack of exposure, and plenty of frustration from fans. That has all certainly changed now with the 2020 schedule release, as the Bills will be featured in prime-time games a minimum of four times.

While I am certainly excited for the exposure, there is a part of me surprised by the volume of featured games. Always accustomed to being the underdog, it is a bit of a different feeling when your team starts to shed that status. Based on their performances during the 2019 season, I have a sense of confidence that the Bills can compete on the national stage. I just hope they prove me right.

Virtual Rookie Minicamp Begins

The Bills get started with a virtual rookie minicamp on Monday—another sign that NFL clubs are keeping on schedule with offseason programming. All of the Bills’ draft picks are under contract with the exception of running back Zack Moss, who is still able to participate in the program. Few details have emerged on what the modified minicamp will look like, as the rookies transition to the NFL.

Pod of the Week

During each edition of Four Downs I will look to highlight a podcast for Bills fans. Some you may have heard of, while others might be brand new to you. This week I recommend a recent episode of Move The Sticks with Daniel Jeremiah and Bucky Brooks. The podcast opens with a conversation on the Bills and how they have closed the gap in the AFC East. You can check it out here.

Announcing the Undrafteds

The Bills officially announced the signing of eight undrafted free agents, with Washington tackle Trey Adams being the highest profile player of the group. In another sign that the times are changing for the Bills, there seemed to be much less commotion around the signing of undrafted players this year.

I look at this as another part of the transition for the team, and their fans, into becoming an annual playoff contender in the AFC. There are no longer roster holes that we hope can be filled with an undrafted diamond in the rough. How things have changed for Bills fans since the arrival of head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane.