Buffalo Bills Vs Detroit Lions: Observations For The Bills Herd
The Buffalo Bills just couldn't end the preseason with a win, could they?
I was really pumped for a three game winning streak.
All joking aside, the Bills lost to the Detroit Lions 28-23 on Thursday, wrapping up their 2010 preseason with a 2-2 record.
Starters on both teams played the first stages of the opening quarter and to be quite honest, Buffalo looked like the better team.
Although many jobs are on the line in the last preseason game, I usually count the seconds until the final dress rehearsal is over.
With that being said, I've got a lot to say about last night's contest in this week's Seen and Herd...
10. Trent Edwards Built More Confidence
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For the second straight week, I start with the Bills QB because his play will make or break Buffalo's season.
A running back like C.J. Spiller can make just about any quarterback's job easier and I was eager to see how Edwards played without the rookie running back in the lineup.
He didn't lead Buffalo to a touchdown in his time on the field, but Edwards' 13-play 65 yard drive consisted of a hand-full of good throws.
Lee Evans was found on a 50-yard bomb down-field, and he connected with David Nelson (get to him later) for nine-yards to convert on a third and six.
Edwards was only sacked once.
The running game was non-existant, with Marshawn Lynch gaining only two yards on five carries, so it was all Edwards.
Outside of his high-lofting toss to Evans down the side-line, Edwards wasn't spectacular, but for once, I'm somewhat at ease with him being the Bills starting quarterback.
9. Running Game?
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For as surprisingly decent the O-line has been in pass protection, they've been equally as porous when it's come to run blocking.
I mentioned Marshawn Lynch's stat-line for the night (five carries, two yards) and the Lions were the second team that's had no problem flying to the ball, causing multiple runs of negative yardage.
I did like what I saw out of Lynch—he's got that stout but shifty way about him, but if the offensive line doesn't man their gaps and move to the second level, the running game may have to fully rely on the talent of their three tailbacks—which wouldn't be all that horrible.
Seriously though, the line is better, but continual improvement is desperately needed.
8. David Nelson Will Be a Factor This Year
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My articles usually drip with optimism, sometimes the optimism is warranted and other times not.
But with David Nelson's play in all the exhibition games, I feel safe in saying he's ready to make a considerable contribution to the Buffalo Bills in 2010.
The un-drafted rookie wide-out already seems beyond his years when it comes to route running and catching the football.
He's big, has underrated speed and when he steps on the field he instantly becomes a favorite underneath and in the intermediate range—it looks like we've got a possession, chain-moving target that will be here for years to come.
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7. The Special Teams Tightened Up
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The special teams went one for four this preseason, piecing together their first solid performance last night in Detroit.
Naaman Roosevelt found some running room returning punts, with Joique Bell and Donald Jones averaging nearly 20-yards per kick return.
On the defensive side, the Bills held the Lions to a mediocre 17.8 yards on their six kick returns and surrendered 31 yards on two Dennis Northcutt returned punts.
Not terrible.
We aren't talking about Roscoe Parrish/Terrence McGee/Leodis McKelvin-esque special teams play just yet, but at least the Bills seem to be understanding the scheme Bruce DeHaven is trying to install.
Obviously the Bills will get a boost when Parrish, McKelvin and Spiller are returning kicks, and the "starting" special teams is stampeding down the field.
6. Supreme Secondary
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Three games in a row the "#bestsecondaryintheNFL", as Drayton Florence would tweet, took an interception back for six.
Florence stood behind his claim when he jumped a seemingly harmless pass to Calvin Johnson on the third play of the game and strolled to the endzone.
He's no Darrell Revis, but I love Florence's confidence and ultra-physical style of play. The Bills need more guys like him.
As if they weren't full of swagger to start the 2010 preseason, the secondary now should be ready to show the NFL what they're capable of.
The turnover-happy group worked their magic for the majority of the summer without ball-hawk safety Jairus Byrd, who intercepted nine passes last year en route to the Pro Bowl.
5. The Linebackers Must Step Up
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Longtime Buffalo News Sports Columnist Jerry Sullivan recently ran a piece documenting the Bills lack of a thumping linebacker, someone who captains the defense with ferocious play.
We're hoping that guy will become Paul Posluszny, but the former Penn State star has had quite the quiet summer.
He's a lot slower than I originally thought—I constantly catch him chasing behind running backs on swing plays and drags across the middle.
The loss of Reggie Torbor hasn't helped, but Posluszny, Kawika Mitchell, and Andra Davis (who's been the best backer) are supposed to be showcased in the 3-4, and must deliver more consistent efforts in the regular season.
We know how Bills linebackers were victimized against tight ends last year.
The outside guys, Chris Ellis, Chris Kelsay and Aaron Maybin have been better in coverage than what I expected, but there's still a lot for these hybrids to learn.
4. My Chad Jackson-James Hardy Theory
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On Thursday during the fourth quarter, the Bills coaching staff was doing all it could to get James Hardy the ball.
He caught a long, tipped pass for a touchdown from Levi Brown, but the play was called back due to a Buffalo penalty.
Hardy caught three passes for 23 yards on the evening but did have another drop.
I realized that with Hardy, because he's such a long strider, he's deceptively fast and has that Randy Moss-like deep speed that sneaks up on you.
No, I don't mean he could ever have Moss's impact, but he works better down the field than many people lead on.
With Jackson, he's much more of a possession guy who isn't afraid to take the hit across the middle, but is quick enough to muster a first-down after catching a bubble screen.
I'm on the fence with Hardy making the final roster, but you have to think that either he or Jackson will be on the final 53.
If Jackson makes the cut and Hardy is snipped, you're essentially trading a 2006 second rounder for a 2008 second rounder, right?
No big deal to me either way, though I like Jackson's promise a bit more than I do Hardy's.
3. Who's The Back-Up QB?
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Chan Gailey said Ryan Fitzpatrick didn't play last night because Brian Brohm barely played against Cincinnati.
But some have speculated that Fitzpatrick was on the shelf on Thursday because Brohm may have the edge as the back-up signal caller.
Fitzpatrick's experience not only in the NFL but as a starter in Buffalo is something Brohm can't overcome and will ultimately lead to him being named the second stringer, I think.
Usually you don't want to release draft picks in their first year, but Levi Brown has been down-right brutal and if he's let go I won't lose a wink of sleep.
Nice kid, might have some potential, but nowhere near being a starter as a professional.
2. The 53-Man Projection
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I'll try to get out a final 53-man roster projection before Saturday's deadline, but in the meantime I'd recommend checking out my fellow Bills Featured Columnist Dan Van Wie's piece outlining the 10 Bills players on the roster bubble.
1. What's Next
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...The day we've all been waiting for, Sunday, September 12th.
Buffalo faces the rival Miami Dolphins at home at 1pmEST, in what should be a rockin' Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Cannot. Wait.
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