Bills vs. Colts: Preseason Game Two Impressions

It looked like a completely different Bills team out there this week, as the first-team offense finally showed signs of life against the Colts in a 34-21 win in Toronto.

(This article originally appeared on BuffaloSportsNow.com.)

Welcome To The NFL, C.J. Spiller

When the Bills drafted Spiller, many people thought it was the wrong move, citing that the running back out of Clemson was a luxury pick.  The rookie showed what he was made of, breaking off an electric run to score his first preseason touchdown.  Spiller made three Colts miss on his way to the end zone with some nifty juke moves and elusive speed.  If this is only a glimpse of what he's capable of, we could be talking about a star in this league.  I know it's only preseason; we'll have to see him in full game action to make a judgment on him.  But Bills fans had to have loved what they saw tonight.

Trent Edwards CAN Throw the Deep Ball

Yes, that was Edwards you saw hitting Lee Evans with a 70 yard touchdown pass, proving he still has the capability to make big plays.  He still needs a lot of work; however, he showed signs of life that we haven't seen from him in a while.  Edwards did enjoy time in the pocket and room to run when he did run out of time--thanks to a solid showing by the offensive line.

Brian Brohm Is Pretty Decent

This was what some fans were pointing to as an important game for Brohm, and he settled in nicely.  He didn't find the end zone, but was for the most part accurate in his performance tonight.  Brohm won't start for the team, but he made the battle for the backup spot behind Edwards fairly interesting (although he was facing the Colts' bench players).  Highlight of his performance: a tricky throw that was somehow hauled in by Chad Jackson.

Could Joique Bell Make The Team?

The rookie's stock rose on Thursday with a solid performance capped by a ground-and-pound short run for a score.  He won't see a lot of time, but the Bills have to have been encouraged by his play.

The Defense Is Coming Around

While not perfect, I'm pretty encouraged by the defensive performance on Thursday.  Kyle Williams' name was mentioned a lot.  Ashton Youboty came in and had a strong game.  Terrence McGee, while continuing to get beat on coverage, did have a pick-6 to make up for it.  The rush defense, a weakness of the team last year, wasn't perfect, but showed signs of getting better.  Meanwhile, I wasn't a big fan of Donte Whitner, whose tackling skills leave a lot to be desired.  Aaron Maybin still needs to show me something more if he is to be a legitimate player in this league.  And, if we're having to depend on Ellis Lankster at any point in the season, we're in big trouble.