NFL: Preseason Team by Team Observations – Bills

Bills

(The 2nd preseason game verse the Colts)

-QB Trent Edwards played solid and seems like he is easing into the starting quarterback role once again. Edwards was 5-8 with 93 passing yards, and 1 touchdown. Edwards on his touchdown made a perfect pass to Evans for a 70 yard touchdown. I see them hooking up a lot come season time. Edwards seems very likely to be the starter.

-QB Brian Brohm also had a good game. Brohm was 14-21 with 125 passing yards. This is good to see from Brohm who is most likely at this point battling to be the 2nd string quarterback. Ryan Fitzpatrick who was the Bills starter last year didn’t play which hurts his stock as it looks like he could fall to be the 3rd string quarterback.

-Running Backs C.J. Spiller and Joique Bell looked dominant out there. Spiller proved his value on the team’s first possession with a 31 yard touchdown. He broke some tackles, had good ball carrier vision, and showed his flash like speed. Spiller finished the day with 10 carries for 54 yards, and 1 touchdown. Bell was a big surprise. Bell had 11 carries for 83 yards, and 1 touchdown. A solid day for the undrafted rookie. If he continues to impress, Marshawn Lynch could be traded or cut in my opinion. Bell, Spiller, and Jackson could be a dominant 3 headed beast on the ground.

-Wide Receivers Lee Evans, Chad Jackson, and Naaman Roosevelt were impressive. In a weak receiving core Evans guaranteed he is the number 1 receiver with one catch for a 70 yard touchdown.  Chad Jackson seemed very hungry and looked like a man who wanted to be wanted. Jackson had 5 receptions for 52 yards. Jackson with another strong game could find himself on the team. Roosevelt the undrafted rookie made some sure hand catches. Roosevelt had 3 receptions for 23 yards. Roosevelt could find himself on the team with the weak competition at wide receiver.

-Tight Ends were non-existent in the game. Jonathan Stupar who is most likely the starter now because he was battling Shawn Nelson who was just suspended 4 games by the NFL. Stupar caught 1 pass for 4 yards. Not to much to be excited about, especially if your Trent Edwards.

-The Offensive Line was good, just look at the rushing yards.

-Defensive Lineman Chris Ellis and Marcus Stroud did well for a rather quiet night. Ellis had 3 tackles, and 2 assisted tackles. He was a ball hawk when he was out there. Stroud clogged up space when he was out there. Stroud has 2 tackles, 1 assisted tackle, and 1 pass deflection.

-Linebackers Arthur Moats, Keith Ellison, and Aaron Maybin boosted their stock in the game. Moats who was drafted in the 6th by the Bills put in a solid game with 4 tackles, 2 assisted tackles, and 1 fumble recovery. Ellison had 3 tackles, 1 assisted, and 1 fumble recovery. Ellison is fighting for a backup spot at inside linebacker. Maybin had a pretty decent outing with 1 tackle, and 3 assisted tackles. Maybin is one of the Bills that has to prove he belongs and this is a good showing.

The Defensive backs all played well but Terrence McGee, and Dominique Harris stood out the most. McGee had 1 tackle but most important he made a nice interception for 78 yard touchdown. Harris had a great game and needed it because the one spot where the Bills are tight at depth is at safety. Harris had 3 tackles, 1 sack, and 1 forced fumble. A strong and much needed game for Harris.