The Pittsburgh Steelers will host the Buffalo Bills for two joint practices this year during training camp and there’s already one player on the opposing team that’s looking forward to it.
“We’re beating up on each other all time, now we get an opportunity to see another team,” Bills linebacker Brandon Spikes said. “You get a look, and maybe a little edge on them after being with them for a couple of days.”
Spikes is no stranger to scrimmaging other teams during training camp as 2014 will be his third-straight season of lining up against a different opponent during joint practice sessions. As a member of the New England Patriots, Spikes was able to take part in training camp practices against the Philadelphia Eagles in 2013 and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2012.
While Spikes looks forward to getting work in against the Steelers, he knows that the feeling will be mutual for the team wearing black and gold.
“They’re going to be bringing it too,” said Spikes “It’s going to be very, very competitive and I embrace those types of deals.”
Bills coach Doug Marrone also looks forward to his team taking part in the joint practices that are currently scheduled to take place at Saint Vincent College on Aug 13 and 14.
“We are looking for certain things, and things that coach Tomlin and the Pittsburgh Steelers bring to the table that would help us,” said Marrone. “I think there are things we can do that help them prepare for the season.”
When the Bills arrive at Latrobe, it won’t be the first time that several of their players have practiced there as guard Doug Legursky, guard Kraig Urbik, quarterback Dennis Dixon, fullback Frank Summers, defensive end Corbin Bryant, defensive end Ikponmwosa Igbinosun and punter Brian Moorman are all former Steelers.
Two days after the two teams scrimmage in Latrobe, the Steelers will host the Bills at Heinz Field for a preseason game. It will be the third tune-up game for the Bills, however, as they will play five preseason games this year being as they were chosen to play in the “2014 Hall of Fame this year against the New York Giants.
