Taylor Rapp's 3 INTs dominated the Bills' Aug. 1 practice, while rookie Stephen Gosnell worked with Josh Allen. Get the latest on the heated WR competition.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The roar of the Bills Mafia returned to Highmark Stadium on Friday for the annual 'Return of the Blue & Red' practice, and the team on the field gave them plenty to cheer about. While Josh Allen slinging passes is always the main event, it was safety Taylor Rapp who stole the show, single-handedly turning the tide for a defense in need of a spark.
'That's the kind of playmaking we need.' - Defensive Coordinator Bobby Babich on Taylor Rapp's three-interception day.
If there was one player who won the day, it was Taylor Rapp. The veteran safety was a turnover machine, snagging three interceptions—two in full-team drills and another in one-on-ones. After Defensive Coordinator Bobby Babich recently expressed concern over a lack of takeaways in camp, Rapp's performance was a direct and emphatic response. His ball-hawking display not only energized the defense but sent a clear message that he's ready to be a pivotal playmaker in 2025.
The wide receiver room continues to be one of training camp's most compelling storylines. The biggest surprise on Friday was undrafted rookie Stephen Gosnell taking first-team reps with MVP quarterback Josh Allen. Gosnell has been building chemistry with Allen and turning heads, putting himself squarely in the conversation for a 53-man roster spot. His rise is even more significant given the team's injury situation. Key free agent signing Curtis Samuel started practice but was sidelined with a lingering hamstring issue, and Laviska Shenault Jr. missed the session entirely with a lower leg strain, opening the door for hungry players like Gosnell to make their mark.
The defensive side of the ball got a major boost beyond Rapp's heroics. Star defensive end Joey Bosa, a massive offseason acquisition, declared his previous calf injury a non-issue and was a full participant in all drills, a welcome sight for Bills fans. The team also continued to fine-tune its depth, signing DE Kameron Cline and waiving Hayden Harris. The news wasn't just limited to Orchard Park, however. Reports emerged that Miami Dolphins starting cornerback Kader Kohou suffered a season-ending knee injury, a devastating blow for a key rival that could significantly impact the race for the AFC East crown.
The hype for the Bills' rookie class continues to build. First-round draft pick Maxwell Hairston earned a 78 overall rating in the new Madden 26 video game, placing him in the top 10 among all rookies. It's a virtual nod that reflects the very real expectations for the young cornerback to make an immediate impact in Buffalo's secondary this season.
With the 'Return of the Blue & Red' in the books, the intensity now ramps up as the preseason looms. Friday's practice painted a picture of a defense finding its swagger, led by a resurgent Taylor Rapp and a healthy Joey Bosa. The biggest question mark remains at wide receiver, where injuries are creating a fascinating battle for roster spots. As the pieces fall into place, one thing is clear: the road to a sixth straight AFC East title is underway, and the journey is already proving to be an exciting one.
