Bills Have ‘Best Playbook!’ Says Isabella

When Buffalo Bills receiver Andy Isabella arrived at training camp, he only had a small Adidas bag, as he was unsure what his future held. 

Now, Isabella has impressed the Bills at training camp, building the quarterbacks and coaches' trust in him, and is working toward a roster spot. 

"I set a high standard for myself, and I try to carry that standard with me every day," Isabella said. "Whether it's staying after and studying more of the plays, when I go out there, I know what I'm doing, so they build that trust."

That trust in him was on full display in the Bills' first preseason game. Isabella had three catches for 42 yards in Buffalo's 23-19 win over the Indianapolis Colts on Aug. 12. 

As Isabella has gotten a grasp of the Bills' offense, it's quickly become his favorite as he enters his fifth season in the NFL because of its variety and how he fits in it.

"It's fast-paced," Isabella said. "It's a lot of quick, short passes, [and] a lot of shots as well. It's a good mix of everything, and I think it's the best playbook I've been a part of so far in the NFL."

Bills offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey has noticed the faith his quarterbacks have in the 5-9 speedy receiver. Dorsey credits it to the work Isabella has put in to understand the offense.

"One of the most impressive things with him is clearly his work ethic," Dorsey said. "What he does not only from a physical standpoint but a mental standpoint. He's come in and had very few mistakes mentally. He's in the right spots. I think he's gained a lot of trust within the quarterback room." 

Isabella was drafted in the second round in 2019 by the Arizona Cardinals. He struggled to get his career going in the desert, amassing just 33 catches for 447 yards and three touchdowns in four seasons. The Cardinals cut Isabella after four games last season. He also spent time with the Baltimore Ravens in 2022, but was cut on July 25.

With just two stops in his young career, Bills coach Sean McDermott thought a change of scenery could bring the best out of Isabella. Thus far, that move has paid dividends for both parties. 

"He's done a phenomenal job to this point," McDermott said. "The thing I love about him is he plays hard, he's always prepared, [and] he just does the little things. All those little things matter, and he's got good DNA that way. He's opened some eyes to this point." 

Isabella will have a chance to further cement his spot on the roster on Saturday when Buffalo goes on the road to play the Pittsburgh Steelers at 6:30 p.m.