Joe Andreessen was already in the New York Giants' backfield as their rookie quarterback, Jaxson Dart, handed the ball to reserve running back Jonathan Ward.
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen reaches for a fumble by Giants tight end Theo Johnson during Saturday's game at Highmark Stadium. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
Andreessen, a second-year linebacker for the Buffalo Bills, tackled Ward for no gain. Four plays later, Andreessen took down running back Dane Miller for a 1-yard loss.
One year earlier, Andreessen was a long shot to make the Bills' 53-man roster, but on Saturday, the Lancaster native started at middle linebacker next to Matt Milano in their 34-25 loss to the Giants at Highmark Stadium.
"This felt a lot different," the former UB standout told The Buffalo News following the preseason opener. "I don’t want to say more comfortable, but I guess that’s the only word that comes to mind is more comfortable because that's how I feel being around the guys.
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"Expectations are still there. There’s not as much pressure, though. I had more of an open mindset going into today. I know what the preseason is like now. Not that it doesn’t matter, because it definitely does, but I know the reps mean more than the result."
The Bills rested their starting middle linebacker, Terrel Bernard, because he dealt with a hamstring injury earlier in training camp and one of his backups, veteran Shaq Thompson, is still dealing with an ailing hamstring.
Not only did Andreessen play every snap with the Bills starters Saturday, he stayed in for the entire first half. His five tackles were tied for second-most on the team, trailing only undrafted rookie linebacker Keonta Jenkins. Just as important, Andreessen showed he can handle the immense responsibility that comes with playing his position.
The middle linebacker in coach Sean McDermott's defense must know the calls and checks, a challenge that Bernard has mastered since he became the starter. The Bills saw enough from Andreessen during his rookie season to trust that he can handle everything the position demands. His teammates have been impressed by how quickly he's absorbed information and adapted to how he must communicate on the field.
"It’s a lot trying to be a mike linebacker, making all these calls and checks, but he’s been doing a really, really good job trying to handle everything they’ve thrown at him," said Bills safety Cam Lewis, a fellow UB alum. "He’s making plays, talking a lot and playing a Buffalo brand of football. I’m proud of him."
It won't be a temporary assignment, either. Bobby Babich, the Bills' second-year defensive coordinator, told reporters early in training camp that they're going to lean on Andreessen this season. He'll continue to contribute on special teams, but he also needs to be ready to fill in if Bernard is out.
To continue in that position, Andreessen must learn from each snap in these preseason games. He lamented the Bills' issues on third down Saturday, noting they didn't properly read their keys on a few of the Giants' explosive plays in the first half, and his next opponent, the Chicago Bears, may force him to make plays in pass coverage. The coaches know Andreessen can stop the run. He needs to show that he can drop back and cover.
Observations: Little separation in Bills' backup quarterback race after preseason opener
The Buffalo Bills’ backup quarterback race remains to close to call after one preseason game. That was one of the bigger takeaways from the Bills’ 34-25 exhibition loss to the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
"It’s a passing league, so being able to play our match coverage," he said. "Coverage is huge, especially in our defense. They put a lot on the mike as a pass cover guy, so being able to excel in that and make big plays when they come. Definitely getting better, but I'm still nowhere near where I need to be and where I know I can be."
Andreessen showed last season that he belongs. Most of his playing time was on special teams until Weeks 17 and 18, the latter of which he played 100% of their defensive snaps in a 23-16 loss to the Patriots. In 13 regular-season games, he totaled 34 tackles, one for a loss, and one quarterback hit.
Even though Andreessen is currently a backup on the Bills' unofficial depth chart, his mission in Year 2 is to prepare each week with the same thoroughness and intensity as Bernard. Andreessen is still approaching each day with the same tireless work ethic that he had while trying to earn a contract at rookie minicamp in the spring of 2024. But the emotions he experienced before kickoff Saturday were different than a year ago.
Andreessen knows he belongs, and now he's determined to show the coaching staff that he's ready for more.
"Hopefully I’m continuing to build that trust with the coaches and doing what I need to do, whether I’m on special teams or I have to back up (Bernard). I have to prepare the same as him," said Andreessen.
Photos: Buffalo Bills lose to New York Giants in preseason opener
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Bills linebacker Joe Andreessen reaches for a fumble by Giants tight end Theo Johnson during Saturday's game at Highmark Stadium. Harry Scull Jr., Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills defensive back Tre'Davious White (27) tackles New York Giants receiver Zach Pascal (83) during the first half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills edge rusher Michael Hoecht (55) pressures New York Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart (6) during the first half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills defender Taron Johnson (7) gets hurt tackeling New York Giants receiver Montrell Washington (80) during the first half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) scores a touchdown on a reception against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills defensive back Te'Cory Couch (33) deflects a pass intended for New York Giants receiver Montrell Washington (80) during the first half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills kicker Ray Davis (22) makes an extra point after a Dawson Knox touchdown against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) is congratulated on a touchdown against New York Giants during the first half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott gestures to an official against the New York Giants during the first half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills offensive lineman Dion Dawkins (73) with dice wooven in to his hair after playing against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills running back Frank Gore Jr. (20) fights for yards on a run against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills quarterback Mike White (14) throws under pressure against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills special teams player Jimmy Ciarlo (35) tackles New York Giants kick returner Dante Miller (25) during the second half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills running back Darrynton Evans (21) celebrates a touchdown against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook III looks on from the bench against the New York Giants during the second half of an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills New York Giants Preseason Football
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen greets flag football athletes after halftime against the New York Giants during an NFL preseason game on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News) Harry Scull Jr./Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Kylie, left, and Khalani Giles play at a table during the Kids Day event outside Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Rayna Zammit wears a Bills-themed earring while tailgating outside Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Children race corn popper push toys during the Kids Day event outside Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Children work their way through an obstacle course outside Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Milo Ryan, 7, wears a Bills helmet outside Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
A child reaches the top of a climbing wall outside Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Nicholas Lamoureux makes a catch outside Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
The new Bills stadium site rises in the distance as fans tailgate outside Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Henry Wild, left, helps his little brother, Joseph, drive a battery-powered toy Jeep outside at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) takes the field before the game against the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7) and New York Giants running back Devin Singletary (26) hug before the game at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) waves to fans before the game at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills running back James Cook (4) warms up before the game against the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills linebacker Dorian Williams (42) walks in the tunnel before the game at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
New York Giants wide receiver Lil'Jordan Humphrey (81) makes a touchdown catch against Buffalo Bills cornerback Dane Jackson (23) during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills defensive end Joey Bosa (97) during the first quarter against the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
New York Giants wide receiver Montrell Washington (80) stiff-arms Buffalo Bills cornerback Christian Benford (47) during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills guard O'Cyrus Torrence (64) blocks New York Giants linebacker Abdul Carter (51) during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills cornerback Taron Johnson (7) gets up slowly after a hit on New York Giants tight end Daniel Bellinger (82) during the first quarter at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Joshua Palmer (5) is pushed out of bounds by New York Giants cornerback Deonte Banks (2) during the second quarter at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills running back Ty Johnson (26) dives forward for a first down during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills defensive end Landon Jackson (94) rushes the passer during the second quarter against the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram (46) tackles New York Giants wide receiver Gunner Olszewski (0) out of bounds during the third quarter at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Bills running back Frank Gore Jr. evades a tackle by Giants cornerback Dee Williams during the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium on Saturday. Joshua Bessex, Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Laviska Shenault Jr. (15) makes a two-point-conversion catch against New York Giants cornerback Dee Williams (33) during the fourth quarter at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
Buffalo Bills vs New York Giants
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Tyrell Shavers (80) walks off the field after the game against the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium on Saturday, Aug. 9, 2025. (Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News) Joshua Bessex/Buffalo News
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