Bills' Backup QB Competition Rages On Following 34-25 Preseason Home Loss to Giants

Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, August 11th 2025 at 20:01 GMT by Athlon Sports
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The New York Giants rode into Highmark Stadium on Saturday and beat the Buffalo Bills 34-25 in the first preseason game for both squads. With reigning league MVP Josh Allen on the bench, Mitchell Trubisky and Mike White split time under center with Shane Buechele. Primary backup Trubisky played the entire first half and went 9 of 13 for 138 yards with an 11-yard touchdown toss to tight end Dawson Knox.

Bills' Backup QB Competition Heats Up as Training Camp Intensifies

In the sweltering heat of Buffalo Bills' training camp, the battle for the backup quarterback position behind star starter Josh Allen is turning into one of the most intriguing storylines of the preseason. With Allen firmly entrenched as the franchise cornerstone, the focus has shifted to who will be his understudy—a role that, while often overlooked, can make or break a team's season in the event of injury or unforeseen circumstances. This year, the competition is particularly fierce, pitting experienced veterans against promising young talents, each vying to prove they can step in seamlessly if called upon.

At the forefront of this quarterback derby is Mitchell Trubisky, the former first-round pick who returned to Buffalo after a stint with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Trubisky, who served as Allen's backup in 2021, brings a wealth of experience and familiarity with the Bills' system. His arm strength and mobility have been on full display during camp, where he's connected on several deep throws and shown poise in the pocket. Coaches have praised his leadership qualities, noting how he's mentored younger players while pushing himself to reclaim his form. "Mitch has that veteran savvy," said offensive coordinator Joe Brady in a recent press conference. "He's been in high-pressure situations before, and that's invaluable." Trubisky's performance in joint practices with other teams has been solid, with him leading scoring drives and minimizing turnovers, which could give him an edge in a league where ball security is paramount.

Challenging Trubisky is Shane Buechele, a lesser-known but intriguing option who has spent time on practice squads and in the XFL. Buechele, signed by the Bills last offseason, has impressed with his quick release and accuracy on intermediate routes. His college pedigree at SMU and Texas, where he threw for over 9,000 yards combined, hints at untapped potential. During camp, Buechele has turned heads with his ability to read defenses and make adjustments on the fly. One standout moment came during a scrimmage when he orchestrated a two-minute drill that ended in a touchdown pass, drawing cheers from teammates. However, his lack of NFL starting experience—having appeared in just a handful of games—remains a question mark. Analysts suggest that Buechele's upside could make him a dark horse if he continues to outperform expectations in preseason games.

Adding another layer to the competition is the presence of undrafted free agent Ben DiNucci, who brings a gritty, underdog story to the mix. DiNucci, who had a brief cup of coffee with the Dallas Cowboys in 2020, including a memorable start against the Eagles, has been working tirelessly to refine his mechanics. His scrambling ability and willingness to take risks have been evident, though they've occasionally led to interceptions in practice. The Bills' coaching staff appreciates his work ethic, with head coach Sean McDermott commenting, "Ben's got that fire; he's not afraid to compete." DiNucci's familiarity with high-stakes environments, honed during his time at James Madison University where he led the team to a national championship game, could help him stand out. Yet, his path to the backup role seems steeper, as he battles not just for the No. 2 spot but potentially for a roster spot altogether.

The competition isn't just about individual performances; it's also a reflection of the Bills' broader strategy to build depth at the quarterback position. After last season's playoff disappointment, where injuries exposed vulnerabilities in the lineup, general manager Brandon Beane emphasized the need for reliable backups across the board. "We can't afford to be caught off guard," Beane stated during the offseason. This mindset has led to rigorous evaluations, including simulated game scenarios and film study sessions, where each quarterback's decision-making is scrutinized. The Bills have even incorporated advanced analytics, tracking metrics like completion percentage under pressure and third-down efficiency, to inform their decisions.

As camp progresses, the quarterbacks have engaged in friendly rivalries, pushing each other to elevate their games. Trubisky, for instance, has been seen offering tips to Buechele on footwork, while DiNucci's infectious energy has kept the group loose amid the grind. Fans and media alike are buzzing about the potential outcomes, with some speculating that the winner could see trade interest from quarterback-needy teams if the Bills opt to keep only two on the active roster. Preseason games will be crucial, providing the first real test against live opponents. The opener against the Chicago Bears, Trubisky's former team, adds a narrative twist, as he could face his old squad in a bid to solidify his standing.

Beyond the on-field action, this competition underscores the Bills' aspirations for a Super Bowl run. Josh Allen's health is paramount, but having a capable backup instills confidence throughout the organization. Historical examples, like Nick Foles leading the Eagles to a championship after Carson Wentz's injury, serve as reminders of how pivotal the role can be. For the Bills, who boast a talented roster with weapons like Stefon Diggs and a stout defense, the backup quarterback could be the unsung hero in a long season.

As the days tick down to roster cuts, the intensity is only ramping up. Each practice rep, each throw, and each coaching critique brings the contenders closer to a resolution. Will Trubisky's experience win out, or will a younger arm like Buechele's or DiNucci's steal the show? The Bills' faithful are watching closely, knowing that in the unpredictable world of the NFL, depth at quarterback isn't just a luxury—it's a necessity. This raging competition might not grab headlines like Allen's exploits, but its outcome could quietly shape the team's fortunes in the coming months.

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