Aug 11, 2013; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (88) breaks from the line of scrimmage against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
With the first game in the books the Bills find themselves 1-0 in the preseason but more importantly have gained that first bit of experience as a team. Getting sick and tired of playing against each other this game play will definitely show them what they need to work on. They were very prepared and that kind of caught me off guard but nonetheless there will be areas that they need to cleanup.
EJ Manuel ended up playing the 1st half and for sure showed signs of what this team needs in a quarterback. There was a couple times where I think he could have aired the ball out but chose to check down and hit the short pass. He showed us with his time on the field that he has the legs to get it done if the pocket collapses or he just wants to run. Manuel finished with a TD pass to Dickerson on a great drive and will be interesting to see how he follows up this outing.
Besides EJ the Bills defense was another must see for fans taking in their first game this season. New linebackers, questions at the corner position, the line play, the safeties minus Byrd and just to see how Pettine had his guys ready. From the beginning I thought they looked pretty good for this game. The D line looked rather good and showed what they could do when they are allowed to give pressure. Kiko also showed he’s as good as talked about. He broke up a sure TD and seemed to be in the right places. All in all the play was pretty good but this film should help this group and they can then build going forward.
Lastly the special teams could really be a special group this year. Goodwin had too very good returns with one going the distance at 107 yards. On the flip side coverage seemed to be ok with them not really giving the Colts any chance seeing their longest return was 28 yards. Hopkins and Lindell were perfect with field goals and the punters both averaged over 41+ yards a kick.
One thing that really got to me though was when Ron Brooks got a penalty for taunting. I mean when I seen that I thought to myself are you kidding me? In a preseason especially there’s no room for that, but also who is Ron Brooks to do that to anyone? He has done zero in my mind and he should really look at that call and at himself. You got burned how many times? If I was Marrone he would have had a seat on the bench for the day. I know he was in on the fumble but forget that play and look at the bigger picture.
So as we wait until game two there is time to work on things that this coaching staff seen and didn’t like. For the first game I definitely liked what I seen and hope this team keeps going in the direction of the new NFL. A fast up tempo game that this team has shown it can play.
So what did everyone think for the first game?