Wednesday, December 14th, Buffalo Bills post-practice press conferences

The Buffalo Bills were back on the practice field today, putting in a walk-through in preparation for their Sunday afternoon game against the Dallas Cowboys. Following practice, head coach Sean McDermott, quarterback Josh Allen, center Mitch Morse, and nickel cornerback Taron Johnson addressed the assembled media.

Reporters also asked McDermott if the players found any juice in watching the Miami Dolphins lose, to which he replied, “I’m sure a little bit.” Right?” Also discussed are whether edge rusher Von Miller is ready for increased snaps as a result of defensive end A.J. Epenesa’s week-to-week injury designation, the development of running back James Cook, the additions of offensive assistant DJ Mangas, and what the signing of offensive guard Connor McGovern means for the offensive line this season.

The most recurrent questions, however, were those about Josh Allen as a runner, which are copied below:

Allen was asked what they might do to reintroduce wide receiver Stefon Diggs into the passing game given that teams are taking him out on third down. He made a point of mentioning individuals who have stood up, especially running back James Cook.

Allen was asked about the “John Wick swagger” and whether the offense is clicking the way he and the team anticipated it to all season, as well as the opportunity the team has with so many 7-6 teams vying for a playoff spot.

Allen remarked on his running scrum against the Kansas City Chiefs, which included the offensive line, as well as quarterback Patrick Mahomes reaching out to him after the game, saying:

Allen praised Micah Parsons and the Cowboys’ whole defensive line, as well as the defensive backfield, which included six pick-sixes by cornerback DaRand Bland.

Allen also emphasized the importance of the home audience to their success, saying:

Allen concluded his lesson by extolling the virtues of his friendship with Sean McDermott and declaring, “I love coach.”

Morse was his well-spoken business-as-usual self, speaking at length about the Dallas Cowboys and waxing poetic about edge rusher Micah Parsons.

Morse was asked a lot of questions about Josh Allen, including the offensive line not giving up many sacks, and noting that Allen’s ability to scramble is “second-to-none in the NFL,” which allows the line to look better at times in “mitigating mistakes” that could lead to more sacks. Plus, Morse reflected on the scrum-run TD, and what Allen means to the team and more.

In noting “an emotionally taxing season” Morse was quick to praise the young guys on the team who’ve stepped up to help the team week in and week out. Plus, he discussed what it takes to be successful in the NFL, whether teams can learn something about an opponent from a player who comes over to their own roster (this case with Connor McGovern), how left tackle Dion Dawkins inspires him, the growth of right tackle Spencer Brown,

Taron Johnson spoke with the media for a few minutes about the team’s upcoming game against the Dallas Cowboys, from quarterback Dak Prescott to wide receiver CeeDee Lamb’s explosiveness, and building the confidence needed to face opponents like the Cowboys, quarterbacks like Jalen Hurts, Patrick Mahomes, and now Dak Prescott.

In addition, Johnson stressed the necessity of being on the same page in front of what is expected to be a boisterous home crowd, and he commented on the defense’s game-winning stop in Week 14.