The Buffalo Bills are sitting pretty at 2-0 after taking down the Lions 41-31 on Thursday night, marking a perfect start to head coach Joe Brady’s first season. They handled a quick turnaround to open the new Highmark Stadium, following up their season-opening victory in Houston. But what Brady did *after* the win might be the real story of his early tenure: he sent his entire squad home for an extended break, and they won’t practice again until next Wednesday!
Brady’s Bold Call: Early Rest for a Long Season
Coach Brady wasted no time rewarding his guys for that quick turnaround win at the new Highmark Stadium. After playing Thursday night, just four days after their opening win in Houston, the team definitely deserved a break. Brady had them report early Friday for lifting and recovery work, which makes sense, right? But then, he did something kinda wild: he dismissed them for an extended rest period, giving them almost a week off from the Detroit game, with no practice scheduled until next Wednesday! This is a bold move for an NFL coach, especially with a 2-0 record and momentum building early in his first season. Brady was crystal clear on his reasoning, saying, “One of the perks of the Thursday night game , not a lot of perks , but one of the perks of it is you do get that long weekend, and the guys will recover.” He knows his players, adding, “No one really sleeps the day after the game. So, I’d rather them come in early, get their lift, get everything and then go get some rest tonight.” This isn’t just a one-off; Brady’s making it clear he wants his squad fresh, with an early emphasis on keeping them ready for a season built around being ready for the playoffs and a Super Bowl run. He’s looking at the long game!
Injuries Mounting as Tough Schedule Looms
That extended rest period is coming at just the right time, too, because some key starters are banged up. Star WR1 DJ Moore got hit with a stinger and shoulder injury against Detroit, forcing him out of the game early and not returning. Defensive tackle Ed Oliver tweaked his hip during warmups and missed the action entirely. Plus, RB Ty Johnson and DT T.J. Sanders, who both missed the season opener, were reportedly close to playing Thursday night. This extra time might be exactly what they need to get back on the field before things get even tougher. The Bills are in the middle of a home stand on the new Highmark Stadium grass, with the Los Angeles Chargers coming to town next on Sunday, September 27th. Then, the defending AFC Champion New England Patriots roll in on Sunday, October 4th.
With a Week 7 bye in mid-October following road games against the Los Angeles Rams and Las Vegas Raiders, Brady is banking on this early recovery window paying dividends. They’re chasing a 3-0 start against the Chargers. Can this refreshed Bills squad keep their perfect record alive?
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
Leave a Reply