Lance Lysowski

Lance Lysowski

@llysowski.bsky.social

Reporter covering the Buffalo Bills for The Buffalo News.

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Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

An in-depth look at how Joe Brady is preparing to call plays as the Bills’ head coach, plus insight into what it will look like during the season. The story includes insight from other NFL coaches on the challenges someone in Brady’s dual role can face. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comInside Joe Brady’s transition to calling plays as the Bills’ head coachMost NFL head coaches will call their own plays on offense or defense this season, but some eventually will relinquish the responsibility. How is Joe Brady preparing the Buffalo Bills?
Lance Lysowski
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Sam Franklin's agents, Harold C. Lewis and Christian Addison, released a statement ahead of the Bills safety's appeal: "We adamantly deny Sam spit at anyone. We look forward to the process fully exonerating him tomorrow at the hearing and the apology he deserves." buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comBills safety Sam Franklin Jr. accused of spitting at Raiders playerBills safety Sam Franklin Jr., a team captain, denied that he allegedly spat at Raiders offensive tackle DJ Glaze following the final extra point of Buffalo's 33-30 win.

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Lance Lysowski
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Enough is enough. C.J. Gardner-Johnson's ejection Sunday in Las Vegas should be the final straw. The Bills need to find another safety. My column from their win over the Raiders: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comBills need to cut C.J. Gardner-Johnson and find a different safety | Lance LysowskiC.J. Gardner-Johnson's ejection Sunday in Las Vegas should be his last act as a safety for the Buffalo Bills. It's time for them to move on, writes Lance Lysowski.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

Enough is enough. C.J. Gardner-Johnson's ejection Sunday in Las Vegas should be the final straw. The Bills need to find another safety. My column from their win over the Raiders: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comBills need to cut C.J. Gardner-Johnson and find a different safety | Lance LysowskiC.J. Gardner-Johnson's ejection Sunday in Las Vegas should be his last act as a safety for the Buffalo Bills. It's time for them to move on, writes Lance Lysowski.
Lance Lysowski
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Good on Jim Leonhard to own the defense’s poor play during the Bills’ 4-1 start. If you can’t stop those Raiders receivers Sunday, you’re not stopping anybody. It’s time to show progress, then make changes during the bye. My column: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comFor the Bills' defense, talk is cheap. Make a statement in Las Vegas | Lance LysowskiNobody expected the Bills' defensive transition to be seamless. Drastic change occurred when they shifted to a modern 3-4 front. There's no excuse for it to look this bad, though, Lysowski says.
Lance Lysowski
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Bradley Chubb was voted one of the Bills’ team captains less than six months after the veteran OLB signed as a free agent. “He’s a natural captain.” How one of the most difficult seasons of his career made him the leader that he is today: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comHow Bradley Chubb became the Bills' heartbeat on defense: 'He's a natural captain'If it were not for one of the most difficult years of his life, Bradley Chubb may not have been voted one of the Buffalo Bills' captains this season.
Lance Lysowski
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With all the dysfunction in Foxborough, it's time for the Bills to put the Patriots in the rearview mirror. My column on the AFC East clash and why no one in Orchard Park is counting out Drake Maye: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comThe time is now for Bills to put dysfunctional Patriots in rearview mirror | Lance LysowskiNo matter how many players insisted that the matchup with the Patriots in Highmark Stadium should be treated like any other game, it’s not any other game, writes Lance Lysowski.
Lance Lysowski
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How did the re-sodded natural grass field in Highmark Stadium perform during the Bills' practice Tuesday? Connor McGovern: "It already feels so much better." Breaking down the grass saga, with insight from players and an outside expert: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comBills' new grass field will finally debut. How is it performing? 'So much better'Seventeen days before the Buffalo Bills' home opener, the team's ground crew tore out the natural grass field at their new $2.2B stadium. Where did the problem begin, what can the Bills learn from the...
Lance Lysowski
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It was also an offseason of change for the Bills' offensive line. Aaron Kromer retired. David Edwards signed with New Orleans. I spoke to their new offensive line coach Pat Meyer to hear his thoughts on each of his five starters. Free to read: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.com'Wrestling bears' and driven to win, Bills' offensive line embracing transitionAmid an exceptional run of reliable play, the Buffalo Bills' offensive line underwent a transition this offseason. Pat Meyer, their new coach, shares his thoughts on each of his starters.

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Lance Lysowski
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What was Jim Leonhard doing on the Broncos' staff the past two seasons? Vance Joseph, their defensive coordinator, answered the question and gave insight in my latest story about the Bills' new DC. All of our Bills coverage is free to read this weekend: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comJim Leonhard was the Broncos' fixer. Inside his impact and why it matters for the BillsAs the Broncos' pass game coordinator, Jim Leonhard helped transform their defense into one of the NFL's best. Here's how it prepared Leonhard to do the same for the Bills.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

What was Jim Leonhard doing on the Broncos' staff the past two seasons? Vance Joseph, their defensive coordinator, answered the question and gave insight in my latest story about the Bills' new DC. All of our Bills coverage is free to read this weekend: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comJim Leonhard was the Broncos' fixer. Inside his impact and why it matters for the BillsAs the Broncos' pass game coordinator, Jim Leonhard helped transform their defense into one of the NFL's best. Here's how it prepared Leonhard to do the same for the Bills.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

The Bills hosted former Patriots and Seahawks fullback Brock Lampe for a visit, per the NFL transactions wire. Seattle waived Lampe this week with an injury settlement. Has not played in a regular season game. Buffalo also held a tryout for 5 defensive tackles. The list:

Lance Lysowski
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Brandon Beane wouldn't say it, but I will. The Bills' roster is deeper and more talented than one year ago. Will it stay that way and does it matter? My column ahead of Week 1: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comBills' roster deeper, more talented than 1 year ago. Will it matter? | Lance LysowskiAt the end of Joe Brady's first training camp as head coach, the Buffalo Bills' roster is arguably more deeper and talented than one year ago. Will the results change?
Lance Lysowski
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Bills center Connor McGovern told reporters that he got more than half of the snaps today in his return to practice. Obviously a good sign for his availability in Week 1.

Lance Lysowski
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In his final chance to impress the Steelers, Maryvale High School’s Kevin Jobity Jr. sacked a QB. The Buffalo native’s story may sound like the plot of a Disney movie, but his NFL potential is for real. He showed he should at least be on a practice squad. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comMaryvale's Kevin Jobity Jr. fulfills NFL dream in return to WNY with SteelersFive years since his first snap of organized football, Maryvale High School graduate Kevin Jobity Jr. got a sack Thursday night for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Highmark Stadium as he battles for a rost...
Lance Lysowski
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On Thursday night, not far from the field where he first played organized football at Maryvale High School, Steelers rookie Kevin Jobity Jr. sacked Bills QB Shane Buechele. It may sound like a Disney movie, but Jobity proved that his NFL potential is very real. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comMaryvale's Kevin Jobity Jr. fulfills NFL dream in return to WNY with SteelersFive years since his first snap of organized football, Maryvale High School graduate Kevin Jobity Jr. got a sack Thursday night for the Pittsburgh Steelers in Highmark Stadium as he battles for a rost...
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

BREAKING: The Bills are re-sodding the natural grass field at Highmark Stadium before the home opener. Passed NFL safety standards. Players and coaches saw improvement. But the team is erring on the side of caution before 3 straight home games. Details: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comHighmark Stadium's natural grass to be replaced before Bills' home openerAfter evaluating how their natural grass field responded in four football events, the Buffalo Bills decided to re-sod in preparation for the inaugural game in Highmark Stadium.

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katherine fitzgerald
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‼️🗓️A WEEK FROM TOMORROW🗓️‼️ join @jayskurski.bsky.social, @llysowski.bsky.social, Perryn Keys and I for a roundtable discussion allllll about the Buffalo Bills!! we'll be in Larkin Square from 5:30 pm - 6:30 pm for a free free freeeeeee talk ahead of the season!! larkinsquare.com/events/9523/...

larkinsquare.comBuffalo News PlayAction roundtable discussion - Larkin SquareBe in the know for the upcoming Buffalo Bills football season: On Thursday, September 3rd at 5:30 PM, join Buffalo News sports reporters Jay Skurski, Lance Lysowski and Katherine Fitzgerald in a PlayA...

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The Buffalo News
@buffalonews.com

The Harris County Sheriff's Office in Houston has closed its investigation into the death of the son of the Bills' Ed Oliver, without charging anyone, the Associated Press reported.

buffalonews.comNo charges filed as police close investigation into death of Ed Oliver’s sonThe Harris County Sheriff's Office in Houston has closed its investigation into the death of the son of the Bills' Ed Oliver, without charging anyone, the Associated Press reported.

Lance Lysowski reposted

Lance Lysowski
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How did Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard make an impact on the Broncos? Vance Joseph, their DC, shared insight into Leonhard’s expertise as a coach and strategist. “… the tools he added to the scheme, it made it look different.” buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comJim Leonhard was the Broncos' fixer. Inside his impact and why it matters for the BillsAs the Broncos' pass game coordinator, Jim Leonhard helped transform their defense into one of the NFL's best. Here's how it prepared Leonhard to do the same for the Bills.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

How did Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard make an impact on the Broncos? Vance Joseph, their DC, shared insight into Leonhard’s expertise as a coach and strategist. “… the tools he added to the scheme, it made it look different.” buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comJim Leonhard was the Broncos' fixer. Inside his impact and why it matters for the BillsAs the Broncos' pass game coordinator, Jim Leonhard helped transform their defense into one of the NFL's best. Here's how it prepared Leonhard to do the same for the Bills.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

Josh Allen didn’t have to speak to reporters. The Bills’ QB insisted. He wanted to speak for a team full of sad and angry football players. Allen reflected on Ed Oliver’s unimaginable loss. “There’s nothing you can say to make the situation better. “ buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comJosh Allen reflects on Ed Oliver’s loss: ‘All we can do is love on him’Bills quarterback Josh Allen on Saturday expressed his support for teammate Ed Oliver after Oliver's 2-year-old son died in a drowning.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

Jim Leonhard tells the Bills’ defensive players that several big moments will define their season. In perhaps the biggest moment of their joint practice with the Browns, Greg Rousseau made a big play. Why that matters: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comGreg Rousseau disruptive as Bills show 'sky is the limit' for defense | Lance LysowskiIn the biggest moments of games, Buffalo Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard wants his players to be ready. Greg Rousseau came through during their joint practice with the Cleveland Browns.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

Outside linebacker is one of the Bills' deepest positions on defense. One reason: Michael Hoecht. His potential impact, other OLBs excelling during camp and why a reunion with Von Miller did not make sense: buffalonews.com/sports/bills...

buffalonews.comHow Michael Hoecht's return could turn Bills' outside linebacker position into a strengthOutside linebacker will be one of the Bills' deepest position groups if Michael Hoecht fully recovers from the Achilles tear that ended his 2025 season in November.
Lance Lysowski
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Jackson Hawes, dubbed by Dawson Knox as the Ivy League meathead, steamrolled opponents as a rookie tight end. What’s next? The Bills have options. Their 13 personnel usage in 2025, Hawes’ focus for Year 2 and another way he can be involved: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comWhy Jackson Hawes is one of the Bills' most important players on offense in 2026After a successful rookie season as a blocker, Jackson Hawes wants to make more plays for Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen. Hawes doesn't need to catch the ball to do it, though.

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The Buffalo News
@buffalonews.com

Jim Leonhard's first preseason an NFL defensive coordinator is an opportunity to see how the Buffalo Bills are adjusting to his new scheme. Some aspects will remain a mystery, though.

buffalonews.comJim Leonhard wants Bills' starters on defense to 'let it rip' in preseason openerJim Leonhard's first preseason an NFL defensive coordinator is an opportunity to see how the Buffalo Bills are adjusting to his new scheme. Some aspects will remain a mystery, though.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

A source close to the negotiations confirmed the Bills and right guard O’Cyrus Torrence are closing in on a contract extension. Some details still being hammered out, but the Bills are close to securing another member of their OL.

Lance Lysowski@llysowski.bsky.social

The Bills have been negotiating with O’Cyrus Torrence’s agent to try to get the right guard signed beyond 2026. “I know it can get done any day now, so (my mentality is) staying locked in …” The latest from Torrence and Brandon Beane: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comBills pushing to re-sign right guard O'Cyrus Torrence: 'He's been a steady force'A three-year starter at right guard for the Bills, O'Cyrus Torrence may be the next in line for a long-term contract extension.
Lance Lysowski
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The Bills have been negotiating with O’Cyrus Torrence’s agent to try to get the right guard signed beyond 2026. “I know it can get done any day now, so (my mentality is) staying locked in …” The latest from Torrence and Brandon Beane: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comBills pushing to re-sign right guard O'Cyrus Torrence: 'He's been a steady force'A three-year starter at right guard for the Bills, O'Cyrus Torrence may be the next in line for a long-term contract extension.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

Cole Bishop’s strengths are on Jim Leonhard’s mind as the Bills’ defensive coordinator trims his high-volume menu of plays. “Cole is such a good player, we should be talking about how we tailor the system to him …” More on the safety’s role and impact: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comCole Bishop's strengths influencing Bills' plan on defense: 'This will free him up'After a breakthrough season in 2025, Cole Bishop is a prominent piece of Jim Leonhard's plan to transform the Buffalo Bills' defense into a shape-shifting, aggressive unit.

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Lance Lysowski
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Where was the natural grass inside the Bills' new stadium grown? Why does it matter and how will the groundskeepers care for it? I spoke to someone at the farm, the head groundskeeper and, of course, Dion Dawkins to learn about it all. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comThe Bills’ grass at Highmark Stadium – yes, grass – is state of the art. Take a lookTerry Pegula and the Buffalo Bills made a conscious decision to install a state-of-the-art natural-grass system at the new Highmark Stadium. Here's the timeline, and the details.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

Where was the natural grass inside the Bills' new stadium grown? Why does it matter and how will the groundskeepers care for it? I spoke to someone at the farm, the head groundskeeper and, of course, Dion Dawkins to learn about it all. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comThe Bills’ grass at Highmark Stadium – yes, grass – is state of the art. Take a lookTerry Pegula and the Buffalo Bills made a conscious decision to install a state-of-the-art natural-grass system at the new Highmark Stadium. Here's the timeline, and the details.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

What’s the Bills’ plan with C.J. Gardner-Johnson likely to miss time? Adam Schefter’s report of a lower calf strain is a positive outcome, all things considered, but the injury could impact them at multiple positions. A look at their options: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comC.J. Gardner-Johnson's injury creates uncertainty for Bills' plan on defenseAfter two uneventful practices to start training camp, the Buffalo Bills had an injury scare Saturday afternoon at St. John Fisher University.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

It’s almost time to find out what the Bills have on defense. What’s the rotation look like on the defensive line? Are they going to need another corner? Big couple of weeks ahead. Some areas of the roster to watch: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comAre there holes on the Bills' defense? Brandon Beane is about to find outUntil the padded practices and preseason games begin, there is no way of knowing whether there's a weakness on the Buffalo Bills' defense that must be addressed with a roster move.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

Joe Brady and the Bills are holding an open practice at Highmark Stadium on August 18. The head coach’s idea when he was approached last month about increased demand for scrimmage tix. PSL holders won’t get first crack at tix for the practice. Details: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comBills to hold open practice at Highmark Stadium on August 18Joe Brady’s willingness to hold an open practice for the Buffalo Bills on August 18 will give fans, especially non PSL holders, another opportunity to see Highmark Stadium in August.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

Dee Alford worked overnight shifts at FedEx during the pandemic. “It was the most frustrating time of my life." Once football resumed, Alford won a roster spot in the CFL over two dozen cornerbacks. Now, he's a building block for the Bills' new defense. buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comOvernight shifts at Fed-Ex fuel Bills CB Dee Alford's 'underdog' mentalitySix years before he signed with the Buffalo Bills, Dee Alford worked overnight shifts at FedEx. His role as a nickel cornerback is pivotal in their new defense.
Lance Lysowski
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How did a hockey player from The Bronx become a rookie wide receiver for the Bills? I spoke to Skyler Bell and people close to the fourth-round pick to tell the story of his journey to the NFL. “This kid is special.” buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comThe story of Skyler Bell: From hockey goal-scorer to Bills rookie wide receiverBills rookie wide receiver Skyler Bell's upbringing in the Bronx, including years as a hockey player, shaped his path to the NFL and prepared him for what's next.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

I sat down with longtime NFL head coach John Fox to learn about his role with the Bills and why he paused his retirement again to come to Buffalo. “I’ve been to three Super Bowls and I haven’t won one. … I know that’s the goal here.” buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comJohn Fox paused retirement to chase Super Bowl with BillsAfter 16 seasons and two trips to the Super Bowl as an NFL head coach, the top job no longer interested him. He reassured Joe Brady he didn't have ulterior motives. Fox wanted to return to football to...
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

Keon Coleman called this a “make or break” year. The Bills wide receiver has said and done all the right things this offseason. His coaches and teammates want to see it continue when it matters the most. “I know what I am here to do …” buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comKeon Coleman aware Year 3 is 'make or break' for his opportunity with the Bills"For the offense to reach its potential in 2026, the Bills need Coleman to deliver when it matters the most," Lance Lysowski writes.
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

Rasmus Dahlin wasn’t ready to reflect on the odds the Sabres overcame to reach overtime of Game 7 in Round 2. In time, Dahlin will appreciate the journey. For now, he’s heartbroken. My column on the difficult end to an incredible season for their captain: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comLance Lysowski: Rasmus Dahlin's remarkable season for Sabres ends in heartbreakAt 26 years old, Rasmus Dahlin is unquestionably one of the best defensemen in the world. More important to Dahlin, he plays on a team that can now call itself one of the best in the NHL for the 2025-...
Lance Lysowski
@llysowski.bsky.social

Why did undrafted fullback Jackson Acker choose the Bills over several other teams? Reggie Gilliam. "I saw myself in his shoes." My story on the Wisconsin kid who found "inspiration" while watching Gilliam and why he has a shot to replace him in 2026: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comBills rookie fullback Jackson Acker found 'inspiration' in watching Reggie GilliamThe Bills signed Acker following the NFL draft because he's a 6-foot-1, 247-pound fullback who had the speed to rush for 322 yards as a sophomore, the strength to block defensive ends and the athletic...

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Lance Lysowski
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The Bills tried to trade for Maxx Crosby. When a deal couldn't get done, they made a bid for Trey Hendrickson. Why didn't a deal happen? How did Bradley Chubb become their newest edge rusher? Bills GM Brandon Beane explained to @buffalonews.com: buffalonews.com/sports/profe...

buffalonews.comBills made a run at Maxx Crosby. Here's how and why they pivoted to Bradley ChubbDuring an hourlong interview with The Buffalo News, Brandon Beane shared how talks to trade for Maxx Crosby began, what made the deal hit a snag and, ultimately, why the Bills elected to trade for wid...