For the preseason opener, loyal Buffalo Bills fans braved thunder, rain and extreme heat to watch their team take on the Indianapolis Colts. In the end they were disappointed with their team falling to the Colts 19 to 18. Starting QB Tyrod Taylor only played the first series connecting with RB LeSean McCoy and WR Robert Woods for a total of 7 yards.
McCoy said he was “still a little rusty” after getting his first touch but added “it’s coming.” He was excited to have the Bills lock in a deal with Taylor. “We need him here. He’s done the right things with the contract and taking care of us. We’re happy in this offense. Looking for a big year.” All of Buffalo and HC Rex Ryan are looking for a big year too.
EJ Manual played most of the first half. Early in the game Manual showed signs of what fans remembered from his draft days with a first quarter touchdown pass to Chris Gragg. In the second quarter Manual lost some of his luster throwing several incomplete passes and was sacked by ILB Josh McNary. Manual had 1 touchdown, 10 completions, 18 attempts and 91 passing yard.
In the third quarter, Bills late round draft pick from Ohio State, Cardale Jones, got his first NFL playing time. Jones connected with TE Nick O’Leary and WR Gregg Little for a total of 162 passing yards. Jones had 1 clutch touchdown and 21 attempts and 11 completions.
Colts QB Scott Tolzien played the full first half but wasn’t able to put any points on the board until late in the second quarter. He connected with RB Jordan Todman for a 42 yard touchdown. He threw for a total of 140 passing yards. The Colts starting QB, Andrew Luck is not expected to take the field on their season opener. QB Stephen Morris took over for Tolzien and had a good second half throwing for one touchdown and 104 passing yards.
Post game Bills HC Rex Ryan said that no one was happy with the team’s performance and it was a flashback to last year. Ryan said there were many positives and said QB Cardale Jones was one of them. Ryan said “Cardale is a very special talent” and he’s smart and works really hard. When Jones to took the stand he repaid the compliment and thanked the coaching staff for working with him and helping him prepare for his NFL debut.
Jones had an easy smile and laughed when tossed a compliment about his – to many surprising – performance. He said quickly “almost doesn’t count.” He wants the win.
Taylor was complimentary towards both his back-ups, Manual and Jones and while he always wants to play he was okay with the once series in the preseason. His focus is on himself, improving as a QB and leading the Bills to winning season.
The Bills pre-game announced a deal with New Era Cap Company on the naming rights to the stadium. The details of the deal and the name for Ralph Wilson Stadium are expected to be announced later this week.
The Bills face the New York Giants at the Ralph Saturday, August 20th at 4pm.
