ORCHARD PARK Corey Bojorquez Jersey , N.Y. (AP) — Josh Allen has the big arm. He has the size. And, now, he has the opportunity to take over as Buffalo’s starting quarterback.Bills coach Sean McDermott said Wednesday the rookie will make his first career start on Sunday against the Los Angeles Chargers.Allen replaces second-year pro Nathan Peterman, who struggled badly in a 47-3 blowout loss to the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1. Peterman threw for 24 yards and two interceptions before being replaced by Allen in the second half.McDermott declined to elaborate on his thought process behind the decision, instead saying it was “the right move” for his team more than 10 times.“I don’t feel the need, honestly, to elaborate,” McDermott said. “We talk a lot in-house about decisions and things and what we’ve got to do and the right move at the right time, and right now, with all respect to your question, this is the right move for us.”The move is a jarring and significant change for Buffalo, which planned on bringing along the strong-armed, raw passer at a calculated and methodical rate before inserting him into the lineup. Chosen seventh overall this spring, Allen has ideal physical tools but has been considered a developmental prospect at the position.The Bills, however, were forced into making a change following one of the worst losses in franchise history.“Whoever’s the quarterback, we’ve got to roll,” running back LeSean McCoy said. “I’m confident in Josh. He’s very talented, he’s extremely smart, intelligent. So I’m happy with the move. Nate’s a good friend of mine, he had his shot. We’ve got to move on. That’s the type of business this is.”Allen did his best to downplay the significance of his first career start while acknowledging that it was a lifelong dream.“I’ve got game experience and now I’m just starting a game,” Allen said. “I’m just looking to do my job, try and be 1/11th of this team and this offense, and just help this team in any way possible to win football games.”“Obviously I’m super excited and thankful for the chance to be the starter of this team. This is something I’ve dreamedfor a long time. But now that it’s here, come Sunday I’m just trying to do my job. I’m not trying to do too much. Trust in those around me and ultimately trying to be the quarterback that this team needs.”Allen got a taste of regular-season action Sunday against Baltimore, entering the game when it was well out of reach in the third quarter. He showed some flashes while enduring his share of growing pains, completing 6 of 15 passes for 74 yards while being sacked three times.McDermott saw some positives in that time, noting Allen wasn’t overwhelmed by the circumstances.“I thought his command of the offense was there Womens Adolphus Washington Jersey ,” McDermott said. “There were some things that he did well in getting us in and out of the huddle. Those are the things you don’t take for granted when a young player’s out there. And then after the snap, executed fairly well at times, and there were other times where we need to execute better.”It’s not just the quarterbacks who struggled against Baltimore, however, and the Bills will need a lot more from their other positions to have any chance of rebounding against the Chargers. The Bills were blown out by Los Angeles last season, 54-24. That was Peterman’s first career start, when the QB tossed five interceptions in one half. Now the Chargers will face Allen in his first career start.“The one thing I’m going to talk to the offense about, especially the skill guys, is that (the key) for a rookie quarterback to have a good game is to make it easy on them,” McCoy said. “Catching the ball, giving him confidence, moving the chains … everything to get that extra advantage is critical and big for a rookie’s confidence.”“If I had to draft a quarterback, I would draft a kid like him,” McCoy added. “He’s mobile, he’s tall, he’s strong. He’s not afraid, he’s smart and has a big arm.”NOTES: The Bills claimed guard Ike Boettger off waivers from Kansas City on Wednesday. Boettger joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent this spring but was released as part of final cuts on Sept. 1. Buffalo released cornerback Ryan Lewis to make room for Boettger. … The Bills also signed Kyle Peko to their practice squad, releasing offensive lineman Gerhard de Beer. Experience and youth could be a deadly combination for opposing offenses in 2019." OpinionState of the Bills RosterNotesState of the Buffalo Bills roster, linebackers: depth suspect behind Matt Milano, Tremaine Edmunds, and Lorenzo AlexanderNew,10commentsExperience and youth could be a deadly combination for opposing offenses in 2019.EDTShare this storyShare this on FacebookShare this on TwitterShareAll sharing optionsShareAll sharing options for:State of the Buffalo Bills roster, linebackers: depth suspect behind Matt Milano, Tremaine Edmunds, and Lorenzo AlexanderTwitterFacebookRedditPocketFlipboardEmailPhoto by Icon SportswireHeading into the 2019 season, the Buffalo Bills have far fewer questions at the linebacker position than they did in 2018, thanks mostly to strong campaigns by the trio of starters; Matt Milano, Tremaine Edmunds Youth Harrison Phillips Jerseys , and Lorenzo Alexander. After an offseason where they added a mix of young and experienced depth, Buffalo’s linebacker play should improve—if they can stay healthy.In our latest look at the state of the Bills roster, we look at the linebackers heading into training camp.<hr class="p-entry-hr" id="A1Sd4a">Lorenzo AlexanderContract status for 2019: Signed; $3 million cap hit ($3 million dead cap if cut)Age: Turned 36 on 5/31/192018 playing time: 16 games (8 starts), 629 snaps (62.03% of defensive total), 171 ST snaps (38.95%)Key 2018 statistics: 74 tackles, 11 tackles for loss, 10 QB hits, 6.5 sacks, 2 interceptions, 9 passes defended, 2 forced fumbles, 1 fumble recoveredThe ageless veteran keeps on playing at a high level. Alexander has been an invaluable leader throughout his time in Buffalo, and general manager Brandon Beane made re-signing him a priority this offseason. Alexander should not be counted out, though the Bills must find a player to develop behind him as a replacement for the 2020 season. Limiting Alexander’s snaps, even if only a bit, could help the veteran to stay fresh and maintain maximum effectiveness. It could also help to prepare his replacement, if that player is on the roster.Tremaine EdmundsContract status for 2019: Signed; $2,877,169 cap hit ($10,357,809 dead cap if cut)Age: Turned 21 on 5/2/192018 playing time: 15 games (15 starts), 926 snaps (91.32% of defensive total), 71 ST snaps (16.17%)Key 2018 statistics: 121 tackles, 5 tackles for loss, 7 QB hits, 2 sacks, 2 interceptions, 12 passes defended Harrison Phillips Jerseys Stitched , 2 fumbles forcedThe youngest player in the NFL had a tremendous responsibility last season, serving as the Bills’ defensive play-caller and “quarterback” of the defense as the team’s middle linebacker. He rarely came off the field, missing time due to a concussion suffered against the New England Patriots in October, but otherwise was on the field at all times. With 121 total tackles, he was tied with three other players for twelfth in the league in that category. His 12 pass breakups were second among linebackers. If his rookie year is any indication, the second of Buffalo’s first-round draft choices in 2018 has a tremendous future ahead of him.Matt MilanoContract status for 2019: Signed; $710,376 cap hit ($130,754 dead cap if cut)Age: 24 (25 on 7/28/19)2018 playing time: 13 games (13 starts), 741 snaps (73.08% of defensive snaps), 142 ST snaps (32.35%)Key 2018 statistics: 78 tackles, 12 tackles for loss, 3 QB hits, 1 sack, 3 interceptions, 7 passes defended, 3 fumbles recovered Buffalo’s ball-hawking second-year man was having a fantastic season through 13 games, but a broken leg ended his year prematurely. Milano is undersized, but he consistently proves the old cliche that it isn’t the size of the dog in the fight, but the size of the fight in the dog. He is a solid run-stuffer who is especially adept at penetrating rush lanes. He is a strong cover man, able to lock down running backs and tight ends alike. Julian StanfordContract status for 2019: Signed; $1.525 million cap hit ($175,000 dead cap if cut)Age: 28 (29 on 9/2/19)2018 playing time: 13 games (1 start), 89 snaps (8.78% of defensive total), 225 ST snaps (51.25%)Key 2018 statistics: 15 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit, 1 sack, 1 fumble forced, 1 pass defendedThe veteran filled in at middle linebacker for Edmunds in one game this season White Doug Flutie Jerseys , a 41-9 loss against the Chicago Bears. Stanford is primarily a special teams player, and he is solid veteran depth. However, if the Bills feel the need to go younger at the position, he could be the odd man out. Corey ThompsonContract status for 2019: Signed; $570,000 cap hit ($0 guaranteed)Age: 25 (26 on 12/23/19)2018 Playing time: 6 games (1 start), 80 snaps (7.89% of defensive total), 104 ST snaps (23.69%)Key 2018 statistics: 14 tackles, 1 tackle for loss, 1 QB hit, 1 forced fumbleThompson joined the Bills as an undrafted free agent in 2018. He is a nice athlete who adds value on special teams, but he struggled at the point of attack against the run in his time filling in for Milano late this season. He will be on the bubble.Deon LaceyContract status for 2019: Signed; $645,000 cap hit ($0 if cut)Age: 28 (29 on 7/18/19)2018 playing time: 16 games (0 starts), 14 snaps (1.38% of defensive total), 299 ST snaps (68.11%)Key 2018 statistics: 7 tacklesWhile Lacey doesn’t exactly fill up the stats line, he does play more on special teams than any other person on Buffalo’s roster. With a new special teams coach, his roster spot is no lock in 2019.Vosean JosephContract status for 2019: Signed four-year rookie deal this offseason; $575,324 cap hit ($321,296 if cut)Age: 21 (Turns 22 on 12/15/19)2018 playing time: 13 games for University of FloridaKey 2018 statistics: 93 tackles, 4 sacks, 5 passes defended, 1 fumble recovery for University of FloridaBuffalo’s fifth-round selection in April’s draft, Joseph is known as an inconsistent linebacker but one who is very athletic. He’ll have to earn his roster spot on the special teams squads, but he has a chance to stick long-term as a developmental player.Maurice AlexanderContract status for 2019: Signed a one-year, $1 million contract ($150,000 if cut)Age: Turned 28 on 2/16/192018 playing time: 9 games (0 starts), 133 ST snaps (28.98%)Key 2018 statistics: 10 tackles for Seattle SeahawksWhile his 2018 stats do not look very good, he had 23 NFL starts under his belt for the Rams franchise before heading to Seattle. He’s making the move from strong safety to linebacker and his coverage ability may give him a leg up on his competition. He has a chance to be a nickel linebacker in sub-packages in addition to his special teams acumen. (Or he could be completely off the roster.) Tyrel DodsonContract status for 2019: Signed a UDFA deal; $503,333 cap hit ($75 Doug Flutie Jerseys 2019 ,000 if cut)Age: Turned 21 on 6/25/192018 playing time: 13 games for Texas A&M UniversityKey 2018 statistics: 70 tackles, 0.5 sacks, 1 INT (returned 78 yards for TD), 2 passes defended, 1 FR for Texas A&M UniversityNot a great look when the thing you’re most known for heading into your first training camp is a domestic abuse charge you caught in May following the signing of your first NFL contract. He was a long shot to make the roster before the arrest, and while the team hasn’t bailed on him yet, he’s on thin ice.Juwan FoggieContract status for 2019: Signed a UDFA deal; $497,666 cap hit ($8000 if cut)Age: 23 (Turns 24 on 11/2/19)2018 playing time: 12 games for University of CharlotteKey 2018 statistics: 68 tackles, 1 sack, 6 INTs (with 2 TD returns), 2 passes defended, 1 FR for University of CharlotteA former wide receiver, Foggie has the skill set to be very good in coverage as his six interceptions can attest. He played at Charlotte, which is the biggest knock against him, and he will definitely need some seasoning before going from a smaller collegiate conference to the bright lights of the NFL. He could develop into a steal on the practice squad by staying in an NFL nutrition program and continuing his radical transition from WR to LB. <hr class="p-entry-hr" id="V6mmhj">Positional OutlookThe Bills are set here in terms of the starting lineup heading into 2019. Alexander, Edmunds, and Milano will all reprise their roles barring injury. Who is going to be their backups and who is going to play special teams are the two biggest questions facing the unit now that Milano’s leg held up during minicamp.Whatever Buffalo decides to do, they are in a favorable position here. They have their starters (and two of them on their rookie deals), they have their special teams options, but best of all, they have their leader. With Kyle Williams retiring, that final point makes a world of difference.