Led by poised Losman, Bills’ starters take center stage

By Connor Byrne  |   Friday, September 01, 2006  |  Comments( 9 )

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It took until their last preseason game of 2006, but the Buffalo Bills finally emerged victorious, defeating the Detroit Lions by a score of 20-13 on Thursday night. The Bills' backup quarterbacks, Kelly Holcomb and Craig Nall, had large roles in the victory, but it was the team's first units on both sides of the ball that set the tone of the game early.

Everything began for Buffalo on the opening drive of the matchup in Ford Field. No. 1 quarterback J.P. Losman and friends took the turf at their own 15, and managed to march down the field for a touchdown in a methodical, nearly nine-minute waltz to the Lions' end zone.

Not only does the 25-year-old Losman seemingly progress by leaps and bounds each week, but those around him do, too.

On the successful 13-play, 85-yard scoring march, Losman had all kinds of time in the pocket to make correct decisions, thanks to an offensive line that continues to get better. Even when the 6-foot-2, 217-pounder didn't have much time to stand back and wait for an opening, he managed to step up and find his receivers a few yards down the field, allowing them to do the work. Undoubtedly, that's a clear sign the former first-round pick's turning into a legitimate QB. In total, he completed all five of his pass attempts for 52 yards.

Impressively, Losman continues developing a rapport with Buffalo's No. 2 receiver, veteran Peerless Price. After being virtually nonexistent for the Bills' first two preseason games, Price closed out the exhibition schedule in style, catching four Losman passes for 78 yards and a score in the final two contests.

Even oft-maligned running back Willis McGahee got into the act on the Bills' scoring drive, pounding Detroit's defense for 29 yards and a touchdown on eight carries. Though his yards per rush number was less than four, the 24-year-old's bruising, speedier-than-usual style was a good sign for Buffalo.

The Bills' first-string offense did superbly on its only drive, and so did the team's top-unit defense. Even without the likes of key starters Terrence McGee and Takeo Spikes, the defense forced a quick three-and-out on the Lions, including a terrific sack on Detroit quarterback Josh McCown by right end Aaron Schobel, who led the Bills with 12 QB takedowns last year.

For their first drive against the Bills' defensive unit, the Lions lost nine yards and quickly scampered off the field in favor of the special teams.

With the preseason now officially in the books, Bills head coach Dick Jauron must decide on which 22 players he wants to cut before the 53-man roster deadline this Saturday at 4 p.m. From there, Buffalo will get ready for its first regular-season game of the 2006 season, taking on the feared New England Patriots.

After such an eye-opening effort last night, it's safe to say the Bills' starters may be headed into Foxborough with little to lose and, more importantly, little fear.

--Got feedback? Connor J. Byrne responds to readers' comments and questions each day: cbyrne@Realfootball365.com.

Realfootball365.com brings you Buffalo Bills coverage five days per week.
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