Bills and Steelers Drop Preseason Openers
The Buffalo Bills opened up their 2012 preseason schedule tonight with a 7-6 loss to the Washington Redskins in Buffalo. The Bills didn’t show much offense tonight gaining just 12 first downs all night and only completing four of twelve third downs. Rian Lindell had two field goals but missed one as well.
Ryan Fitzpatrick played the entire first quarter. He completed six of fourteen passes for 61 yards. He connected with Stevie Johnson for a touchdown after a Robert Griffin III fumble but the touchdown was called back on a penalty. Tyler Thigpen played the second quarter. Thigpen completed three of his eight passes for 38 yards and had one pass intercepted.
Vince Young played the entire second half and led the Bills to their second field goal to cut the Redskin lead to 7-6. Young led the Bills in rushing with 37 yards on five carries. Young also threw for 50 yards.
The only score the Bills defense gave up was a 20 yard touchdown pass from Griffin III to Pierre Garcon in the first quarter. The Bills forced two turnovers during the game but went without a sack. Rookie fourth round pick Ron Brooks had an interception. Brooks went to college at LSU.
Former Oregon guard Mark Asper didn’t play in the game, but has learned a lot since starting camp with the Bills. In an article from Democrat and Chronicle, Asper described how defensive tackle Kyle Williams “the quickest pass rush move” he’s ever had on him. He’s been learning to adapt to the team and also pick up snaps under center to add some versatility to increase his chances on making the roster this season.
The Bills will play their second preseason game next Friday night, August 17th at Minnesota to take on the Vikings. The Bills will open up the regular season at MetLife Stadium in New York to take on the Jets on September 9th. The game will be played at 1:00 pm ET.