What To Look For From Bills On Friday Vs. Redskins

The Chan Gailey era begins in Washington Friday night when the Buffalo Bills battle the Redskins in the pre-season opener for both teams.

I know it's just a pre-season game but there are several areas I can't wait to see from the Bills against Washington.

First off, I want to see if quarterback Trent Edwards has shown any improvement in looking down field. "Captain Checkdown" needs to look further down the field and take a chance. A perfect time to test himself out is in exhibition games.

But in order for Edwards to look downfield, Buffalo's offensive line needs to give him time and protection. The Bills' offensive line was a complete mess last season and hopefully with the youngsters a year older and not so wide-eyed as rookies, they can jell together. I think the talent on the line is there, it's just a matter of playing together for more than a game.

I also want to see quarterback Brian Brohm under fire. He's got the credentials but last time I looked, they don't complete passes or win games. Brohm could be Buffalo's future.

Next area I want to see is the running game and backs.

I can guarantee it will be as vanilla of offensive scheme as imaginable for the running game. Gailey is no dummy and he's not going to tip his hand on how he's going to use his weapons in Marshawn Lynch, Fred Jackson and rookie C.J. Spiller. But he could show just a gimpse and that will catch my eye.

The defensive unit of the Bills has been impressive in training camp. But I guess the question is whether Buffalo's defense is that good or does the woeful Bills' offense make them look "that" good. We will find out.

I want to see how the 3-4 defense performs against the Redskins. Donovan McNabb probably won't play more than a quarter for Washington but it might be enough time to get of feel for what the Bills can do. McNabb has seen it all and should test the Bills.

Exhibition games are just that. But for the Buffalo Bills, they are important this season. New coaching staff, young players, new defense...a lot to questions. 

The key, however, is to stay healthy and that's something Buffalo hasn't been able to do the past few seasons.

I guess I'd be satisfied if the Bills show some spunk, aggressiveness and stay injury-free. It's only the first pre-season game of the year but we need to know there's some hope.