4 observations from HBO's second 'Hard Knocks' episode with Buffalo Bills

What did we get from Episode 2 of HBO's "Hard Knocks: Training Camp with the Buffalo Bills"?

Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen signs autographs for fans during the second day of Buffalo Bills training camp. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

As Buffalo Bills' fans around the globe gathered around their TVs, tablets, and probably phones too, HBO's "Hard Knocks" Episode 2 aired on Tuesday night.

It was another special opportuity for fans to get a behind-the-scenes look at their favorite team,
seeing parts of training camp, and a side of the players, you don't always have access to, especially if you don't live in the Buffalo area.

There were a number of these moments in the second part of the five-episode docuseries, so now onto the key observations.

'Buffalo Joe' Andreessen

You can't have "Hard Knocks" without a feature on Joe Andreessen, also known as "Buffalo Joe."

We all know the story by now. Andreessen is the local kid, who went undrafted and battled his way onto the team. Now, he appears to have the right mindset while preparing for his second season with the Bills.

"I'm not the first person that has made the team from being a rookie. Other guys have done it. You have to keep your foot on the pedal, keep going," said Andreessen.

Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen high-fives fans as he runs onto the field during day five of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Monday, July 28, 2025 in Pittsford, NY. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

James Cook contract drama

We've heard Brandon Beane say this several times throughout his tenure.

"Our philosophy is to draft, develop and re-sign our own, and that starts with their ownership," said Beane. "The perfect world is James back on the practice field. At some point we are able to keep him here in Buffalo. It doesn't have to happen now. I'm hopeful a year from now James Cook is still wearing the Buffalo Bills red, white, and blue."

On Tuesday morning, James Cook returned to practice after about a week of "holding in." Then, on Wednesday morning, he reached an agreement with the Bills on a four-year contract extension.

Bills running back James Cook pulls in a pass along the sideline during day three of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Friday, July 25, 2025 in Pittsford, NY. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Sean McDermott's skin cancer battle

In 2017, McDermott went into surgery for skin cancer.

"It first hit me in Philadelphia when I worked alongside Jim Johnson, who died of skin cancer," said McDermott. "You know, being fair skinned myself and dealing with skin cancer over all, it has been a challenge."

McDermott goes through a process of various sun screens, and constantly checking himself for anything unusual.

"Self check is huge," said McDermott.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott waves to fans during day five of Buffalo Bills training camp at St. John Fisher University Monday, July 28, 2025 in Pittsford, NY. | Shawn Dowd/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Bills' Preseason Week 1 Gameday

The battle for the No. 2 quarterback role was on fire, as both Mitchell Trubisky and Mike White had solid games, throwing for nearly 300 yards and three touchdowns together.

Lost in the QB2 battle was Ray Davis kicking an extra point. Who needs Tyler Bass when your running back can get the job done?

Andreessen nearly had two takeaways in the game, one a forced fumble, and the other an interception, but the runner was down, and the interception hit the ground.

"Oh Joe, you've got to catch that, bro," said Beane,

Jun 11, 2025; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Mitchell Trubisky (11) throws the ball with quarterback Mike White (14) and quarterback Shane Buechele (6). | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

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