1. The University at Buffalo pipeline remains hot thanks to ‘Buffalo Joe’
The Bills now have three former University at Buffalo players on their active roster in DB Cam Lewis, CB Ja’Marcus Ingram and LB Joe Andreessen. Andreessen is the latest to join the pipeline of players who played collegiately down the road and are now playing on a much bigger stage.
Andreessen, a Western New York native from Depew, was invited to try out for the Bills in May as an undrafted rookie free agent. The LB was one of 26 players to participate in the try out and was the only player who was signed by Buffalo.
One of Andreessen’s biggest opportunities of the preseason came in week two when he started at middle linebacker against the Steelers. The LB led the team with 12 tackles that night.
General manager Brandon Beane thought the rookie did an impressive job of running the defense.
“He really passed the test that day, and that probably gave us a lot of confidence that this guy is trending up and deserves this opportunity,” Beane said.
The WNY native gained a couple of nicknames from his teammates after his performance against the Steelers – ‘Buffalo Joe’ and ‘The Lancaster Legend.’
Andreessen played high school football for Lancaster less than 20 miles away from Highmark Stadium and now gets to suit up for the team he grew up idolizing.
“Buffalo Joe. What a real cool story for Joe,” Beane said.
Beane said their first interaction with Andreessen was when they hosted him for their local day and every time after that, he kept doing things the right way.
“Every step of the way, (he) checked the box,” Beane said. “(He) kept himself in play, never worried about whether he got five reps in practice or 15.”
Andreessen continued to get opportunities throughout camp due to injuries at the linebacker position – Matt Milano (IR), Nick Morrow, Eddie Ulofoshio and Baylon…
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