The Buffalo Bills Come Up Short in Rex Ryan's Debut But Many Positives Emerge
- by Veronica R. Chiesi Brown
- Aug 14, 2015
- 2 min read
Picture from: buffalobills.com
Rex Ryan debuted on the sideslines as the coach of the Buffalo Bills in the team's first preseason matchup at Ralph Wilson Stadium against the Carolina Panthers. Although the Bills did come up short in the last minute (lost 25 - 24), yes the last minute of the game, there still was a more positive feeling than there has been in years.
The quarterbacks were on center stage as they have been for months. Matt Cassel came out strong and went 7-for-8 for 45 yards in two drives. Tyrod Taylor relieved Cassel and played the rest of the first half. He finished 5 - 8 with 49 passing yards and 47 rushing yards on 6 carries. Two of the Taylor-lead drives resulted in rushing touchdowns, one from rookie running back Karlos Williams and one from running back Bryce Brown. Brown played a majority of the game as Fred Jackson and Boobie Dixon are both hurt. Lesean McCoy did start and play part of the first quarter. Despite not being in there for a long time, Shady did make an impression including a play where he lost his helmet.
The second half began rough for EJ Manuel. I have heard so many rumors about the Bills cutting EJ before the game and was hoping for his sake for a stronger outing. Thankfully, EJ did have the play of the night with a 51-yard pass to Deonte Thompson in the third. EJ finished 4- 8 (some of the passes were not his fault and there were two bobbled snaps) with 77 yards.
Poor Matt Simms got hammered in the fourth quarter. Despite his best efforts for a last second drive to overcome the Panthers last minute touchdown and 2 point conversion, the Bills fell short.
Now for my observations.
*It may still be too early to gauge the quarterbacks especially because Matt Cassel started this game and Rex said Tyrod will start against Cleveland. I think Rex is going to test all the waters. As he has said, he wants consistency. Don't we all Rex.
*I would not want to be Rex and have to decide between the running backs. With Freddie and Boobie hurt, Karlos Williams put on quite a show and Bryce Brown (where have you been?!) was a powerhouse.
*Lesean McCoy will be a playmaker. There is no doubt of that even though his play time was minimal (thankfully because like a nervous mother I worry about him getting hurt).
*Our defensive line is awesome, our secondary needs work. Poor Ron Darby got hammered because he is a rookie and for that I will give him a pass. Stephon Gilmore makes me nervous. Forget Ace of Base. Do turn around.
Yes the Buffalo Bills lost this game and that is disappointing BUT as I said, from the first play, it feels different. The aura around this team is different. I haven't felt this good about the Buffalo Bills since the 90s. Now its onto Cleveland to keep this energy going. Get your wagons ready kids because here they come!
Veronica R. Chiesi Brown @VRCB32
Bills Fanatics Senior Writer
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