The Buffalo Bills opened up the new Highmark Stadium by defeating the Carolina Panthers, 29-14, in Week 1 of the NFL preseason. Not only was it the first game at the new stadium, but it was also the first game for Joe Brady as head coach, and the first game for Jim Leonhard calling plays for the Bills. They both looked comfortable in their new roles, and the Bills dominated for most of the day. Here are Bills Wire's three things we learned about following Week 1 of the preseason: Everybody is still eating
Despite only seeing the field for the first two drives of the game, the offense was rolling. There were multiple explosive plays, including three passes to DJ Moore for 61 yards, two to Khalil Shakir for 41 yards, and also a 13-yard rush from James Cook III. Combine that with an off-script touchdown throw to Keon Coleman and it looked like the "everybody eats" mantra was still on full display in the Joe Brady offense, orchestrated by quarterback Josh Allen. Deone Walker makes a splash
Second-year defensive tackle Deone Walker looked explosive and very comfortable in the new system under Leonhard. He came away with a sack, another QB hit that forced an incompletion, and a tackle for loss, all in just ten total snaps played. Walker was a surprise breakout player after being a fourth-round pick last year, and it appears there could be another level to unlock with him in an aggressive Leonhard defense that should create more one-on-ones and pass-rush opportunities. Secondary steps up
The Bills were without three starters in their secondary on Saturday; C.J. Gardner-Johnson, Cole Bishop, and Maxwell Hairston. This meant there were a lot of meaningful snaps for depth players and younger guys to get comfortable in the defense and in the NFL. Rookies Jalon Kilgore (5th-round S), Davison Igbinosun (2nd-round CB), and Toriano Pride Jr. (7th-round CB) led the defense in snaps with 41, 37, and 34, respectively. Second-year defensive back Jordan Hancock played 29 snaps and recorded two tackles for loss, while undrafted rookie CB Kani Walker came away with an interception behind the line of scrimmage in his first NFL action. This article originally appeared on Bills Wire: What we learned from the Buffalo Bills' 29-14 win over the Panthers