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Josh Allen Backup QB Competition Predicted To Heat Up At Bills Training Camp

Josh Allen's Backup Battle Heats Up: Inside the Buffalo Bills' Quarterback Competition

In the high-stakes world of the NFL, where a single injury can derail a season, the role of a backup quarterback has never been more critical. For the Buffalo Bills, superstar Josh Allen stands as the unquestioned leader under center, a dual-threat phenom whose arm strength and mobility have propelled the team to multiple playoff appearances. But behind him, a fierce competition is unfolding for the No. 2 spot, one that could shape the Bills' fortunes if Allen ever misses time. As training camp progresses and preseason games loom, the battle between veteran challengers and up-and-coming talents is drawing intense scrutiny from fans, analysts, and the coaching staff alike. This isn't just about depth—it's about preparedness in a league where quarterbacks are the most valuable and vulnerable assets.

Josh Allen, entering his seventh season with the Bills, has solidified his status as one of the league's elite. Drafted seventh overall in 2018 out of Wyoming, Allen has transformed from a raw prospect with accuracy issues into a perennial MVP candidate. His 2022 campaign was a testament to his growth: leading the Bills to a 13-3 record, throwing for over 4,000 yards, and adding significant rushing production. Yet, even Allen isn't invincible. He's dealt with shoulder and elbow concerns in the past, and the physical toll of his scrambling style raises questions about durability. That's where the backup competition comes in—a storyline that's been simmering since the offseason and is now boiling over as the team hones its roster for another Super Bowl push.

The primary contenders in this quarterback derby are a mix of experience and potential. Leading the pack is Mitchell Trubisky, the former first-round pick who returned to Buffalo after a stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Trubisky, now 29, brings familiarity to the system, having served as Allen's backup in 2021. That year, he appeared in six games, completing 75% of his passes in limited action. His arm talent and mobility echo Allen's, making him a natural fit for offensive coordinator Joe Brady's scheme, which emphasizes play-action and deep shots. Trubisky has been vocal about his growth, telling reporters during minicamp, "I've learned a lot from my time in Pittsburgh. It's about being ready when your number is called, and I'm excited to compete here." His performance in early training camp sessions has been sharp, with precise throws in 7-on-7 drills and a command of the huddle that impresses head coach Sean McDermott.

Challenging Trubisky is Shane Buechele, a younger arm who's been turning heads with his poise and accuracy. The 25-year-old, undrafted out of SMU in 2021, spent time on the Kansas City Chiefs' practice squad before joining the Bills. Buechele's college pedigree is impressive—he threw for over 9,000 yards and 63 touchdowns at SMU—but his NFL experience is limited to preseason reps. What sets him apart is his quick release and decision-making, traits that align well with the Bills' timing-based passing attack. In a recent scrimmage, Buechele connected on a 40-yard touchdown pass, drawing praise from Allen himself, who noted, "Shane's got that fire. He's pushing everyone, including me." Buechele's underdog story adds intrigue; he's not the prototypical NFL quarterback at 6-foot-1, but his football IQ and work ethic have earned him reps with the second-team offense.

Not to be overlooked is the wildcard in this race: undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito, who made waves last season with the New York Giants. DeVito, 25, stepped in for an injured Daniel Jones and led the Giants to a surprising three-game win streak, showcasing his moxie and ability to improvise. The Bills signed him to a futures contract in the offseason, viewing him as a developmental piece with upside. DeVito's style is more gunslinger than technician, which could complement Allen's aggressive approach. However, his inconsistency—evident in turnovers during his Giants stint—remains a concern. McDermott has been diplomatic, saying, "Tommy brings energy and competitiveness. This is a merit-based competition, and everyone's getting a fair shot."

The competition isn't just about individual stats; it's intertwined with the Bills' broader roster dynamics. After trading wide receiver Stefon Diggs to the Houston Texans, the offense is undergoing a facelift, with new targets like Keon Coleman and Curtis Samuel stepping up. A reliable backup must quickly build chemistry with these pieces, ensuring seamless transitions if needed. Moreover, the Bills' defense, anchored by stars like Von Miller and Matt Milano, expects the offense to hold its own, making quarterback depth a non-negotiable for a team with championship aspirations. Historical precedents loom large—remember how the Philadelphia Eagles won Super Bowl LII with Nick Foles stepping in for Carson Wentz? Or the more recent example of Brock Purdy guiding the San Francisco 49ers to the NFC Championship as a last-pick rookie? These stories underscore why Buffalo is investing heavily in this battle.

Training camp has provided early glimpses into how this might shake out. In red-zone drills, Trubisky has excelled, converting multiple touchdowns with his pocket presence. Buechele, meanwhile, has impressed in two-minute situations, orchestrating drives that mimic game-ending heroics. DeVito's flashes of brilliance, like a no-look pass in team drills, have generated buzz, but his occasional overthrows highlight areas for improvement. The coaching staff, led by McDermott and Brady, is evaluating not just physical tools but intangibles like leadership and adaptability. "We're looking for someone who can step in and win games," McDermott explained in a press conference. "Josh is our guy, but football is unpredictable. This competition is about building the best possible team."

As preseason games approach, the stakes will rise. The Bills' exhibition slate includes matchups against the Chicago Bears, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Carolina Panthers—opportunities for these backups to shine under the lights. Expect rotations where Trubisky gets first crack with the second unit, followed by Buechele and DeVito vying for snaps. Performance here could determine not only the backup role but also practice squad spots or even trade value. Analysts are split: some favor Trubisky's experience for immediate reliability, while others see Buechele's upside as a long-term investment. DeVito, with his cult following from his "Tommy Cutlets" persona in New York, adds a fan-favorite element, but football decisions will prevail over popularity.

Beyond the on-field action, this competition reflects broader NFL trends. With quarterback injuries on the rise—think Aaron Rodgers' Achilles tear last season or Joe Burrow's wrist issues—teams are prioritizing depth charts more than ever. The Bills, fresh off a heartbreaking divisional-round loss to the Kansas City Chiefs, know that every edge counts in the AFC East, where rivals like the Miami Dolphins and New York Jets have bolstered their own rosters. Allen himself has embraced the rivalry, often mentoring his backups during film sessions and emphasizing team unity. "It's all about the brotherhood," Allen said. "Whoever wins this job, we're all rooting for each other."

Looking ahead, the resolution of this backup battle could have ripple effects. If Trubisky secures the role, it provides veteran stability, allowing the Bills to focus on developing younger talents elsewhere. A Buechele victory might signal a youth movement, injecting fresh energy into the quarterback room. DeVito's emergence would be a feel-good story, proving that perseverance pays off in the league's cutthroat environment. Regardless of the outcome, the process is strengthening the team, fostering a competitive spirit that McDermott credits for past successes.

In the end, while Josh Allen remains the Bills' North Star, the backup competition is a reminder that no player is irreplaceable. As the regular season inches closer, all eyes will be on these understudies, ready to step into the spotlight if duty calls. For a franchise chasing its first Super Bowl since the early 1990s, getting this right could be the difference between contention and catastrophe. The battle rages on, and Buffalo's faithful are watching closely, hopeful that their depth will prove championship-caliber. (Word count: 1,128)

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