Buffalo Bills Preseason: What Was Learned in Loss Vs Washington Redskins
New Head Coach Chan Gailey and the Buffalo Bills took the field tonight for their first preseason game against the Washington Redskins, who were also lead by new head coach, Mike Shanahan. While the game didn't play out as many fans had hoped, with the Bills losing 42-17, there were some unknown players that opened our eyes as to what the future could hold.
We caught the first glimpse of the newly installed 3-4 defensive scheme, as well as rookie quarterback, Levi Brown under center for the first time.
This slideshow will overview the play of each position on the Bills, and who stood out.
Quarterbacks
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The quarterback play was less than stellar tonight, as starter Trent Edwards went six for 12 for 58 yards with an interception, for a quarterback rating just under 30.
Edwards waited too long on a pass intended for Lee Evans that was picked off by Redskins cornerback DeAngelo Hall.
Ryan Fitzpatrick entered the game in the middle of the second quarter, and looked more in control of the offense than Edwards, going nine of 14 for 61 yards and a touchdown pass to undrafted free agent wide receiver, David Nelson, out of the University of Florida.
In the fourth quarter, we caught our first glimpse of rookie quarterback Levi Brown. Brown looked good in his limited snaps, going three of seven for just 28 yards with an interception, that was deflected.
Overall, the quarterback situation in Buffalo doesn't look any better than it did at the end of the 2009 season, and someone will eventually have to step up and take the reigns of the offense.
Running Backs
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The Bills running game looked very strong, as many expected, but the leading rushers weren't who you might have expected. Fred Jackson, the Bills leading rusher in 2009 started the game, but carried the ball just two times for 11 yards, before being replaced by Marshawn Lynch.
Lynch looked like he was in great shape, catching a pass for 12 yards.
C.J. Spiller then entered the game, rushing for 11 yards on his first carry, before being replaced after four carries by undrafted free agent, Joique Bell, who led Division II in all purpose yardage last season. Bell ran hard and looked looked like a bowling ball, mowing down defenders for 52 yards on just five carries and a touchdown.
Chad Simpson, another offseason addition surprised by breaking a hue 43 yard run, and ended the game with 67 yards on seven carries.
Overall, the Bills carried the ball 18 times for 146 yards and a touchdowns, which is a good sign for a team with no clear passing attack.
Offensive Line
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The Buffalo Bills offensive line performed outstanding tonight, considering the lack of depth, and both Demetrius Bell and Cornell Green not starting. The Bills didn't allow a sack all night, and were creating huge holes for the running backs to gain big yardage.
There were some penalties that brought back some big gains, but other than that the unit looked solid.
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Wide Receivers
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This game was a big test for the Buffalo Bills wide receiving corps, who are battling for the No. 2 job opposite Lee Evans, and some surprising names stepped up to the plate.
David Nelson, the undrafted rookie out of Florida, caught the only receiving touchdown, for a total of five catches for 47 yards.
Fellow undrafted rookie, Donald Jones was second in receiving, catching three passes for 26 yards,
Chad Jackson, Namaan Roosevelt, Jonathon Stupar, Lee Evans, Roscoe Parrish, Marshawn Lynch, and Corey McIntyre also caught passes, showing that the Bills want to spread the ball and see the talent on hand.
Nelson is a huge target at 6-foot-5 and performed the best out of all Buffalo receivers, constantly creating seperation.
Defensive Line
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The Bills varied between a 3-4 and 4-3 defensive front against the Redskins, and the new addition of Dwan Edwards was a boost. Torell Troup, the rookie nose tackle out of Central Florida played well and held his own against the double team, as well as hustling to make tackles.
Aaron Maybin played both outside linebacker and defensive end, getting a cheap sack in the fourth quarter.
Kyle Williams was the starter at nose tackle, and looked significantly larger than he did last season, eliminating doubts about his lack of size to play the position.
Linebackers
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The Bills linebacking corps looked very good, with Donovan Woods, who was just acquired last week, being the leading tackler, with six.
We also saw why coach Gailey moved Arthur Moats to inside linebacker, as he made four tackles and assisted in many others.
Aaron Maybin got manhandled by rookie offensive tackle, Trent Williams, and looks like he is still adjusting to the position.
Chris Ellis and Reggie Torbor started at the outside linebacker positions, but Antonio Coleman could find himself earning significant playing time, as the undrafted rookie that led the SEC in sacks, looked like a force in the pass rush, although he didn't make a sack.
Secondary
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Buffalo's secondary didn't look as good as expected, allowing Rex Grossman and Donovan McNabb shred them for over 200 passing yards. Donte Whitner looked like he was making a good adjustment to the 3-4, and made a big hit in the first quarter.
Drayton Florence was starting over Leodis McKelvin, who has been reportedly disappointing in training camps thus far.
Jairus Byrd, the playmaking free safety made only one tackle.
Reggie Corner got beat trying to intercept two passes, one ended up as a touchdown, and the other a 21 yard reception by Redskins wide receiver Bobby Wade.
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