Bills fall to Giants in Week 1 preseason

Buffalo uses most starters for a quarter as backups push to earn roles behind Josh Allen.

Bills face depth questions after Week 1 preseason loss

The Bills fell 34-25 to the New York Giants in their NFL preseason opener. Buffalo kept most of its starting group on the field for about a quarter, while Josh Allen watched from the sideline. Mitch Trubisky and Mike White combined for 250 passing yards and three touchdowns, signaling they can push for a steady backup role behind Allen. Standout performers included defensive end Joey Bosa, rookie defensive back Jordan Hancock, rookies Deone Walker and T.J. Sanders on the line, receivers Tyrell Shavers and K.J. Hamler, running back Ty Johnson, linebacker Joe Andreessen, and returner Laviska Shenault.

On the flip side, several players stalled in their first action of the year. Tight ends Zach Davidson and Jackson Hawes, rookie cornerback Dorian Strong, rookie defensive end Landon Jackson, center Jacob Bayer, and punter Brad Robbins showed rooms for improvement. Buffalo’s defense surrendered the Giants’ screen game and Buffalo went 1-for-11 on third downs while allowing 9-for-19 on third-down conversions. The game carried a minor injury note as nickel cornerback Taron Johnson left briefly but was cleared from concussion protocol.

The result highlights depth as a key theme for Buffalo. The quarterback competition behind Allen will be watched closely, especially if the backup duo can replicate this early efficiency. The team will need to translate this early promise into consistency, with third-down execution and defensive discipline staying at the core of any playoff push. The preseason setting makes it clear that development and clash of talents at every position will shape the final depth chart more than any single score.

This week’s tape should push Beane and McDermott to weigh what each player offers in situational football. As long as Buffalo avoids injuries, the path from hopeful camp performance to confident regular-season contribution remains open, but the window closes quickly if the next games expose the same flaws in a tighter game plan.

Highlights

The path to a stronger Bills team runs through the next few exhibitions and a sharper emphasis on situational football.