Buffalo Bills: 5 observations from preseason win over Detroit Lions

Aug 13, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) prepares to hike the ball to quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 13, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) prepares to hike the ball to quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
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Buffalo Bills
Aug 13, 2021; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions center Frank Ragnow (77) prepares to hike the ball to quarterback Jared Goff (16) during the first quarter against the Buffalo Bills at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

The Buffalo Bills’ first preseason game is in the books. The team won its opening contest against the Detroit Lions, 16-15, but these games aren’t necessarily about the final score.

The preseason is a great opportunity to get a look at new players and important position battles with the regular season nearing. In addition to picking up a win, the Bills’ coaching staff also gained some valuable insight.

Here are five takeaways from Buffalo’s preseason opener.

Greg Rousseau looks solid in Buffalo Bills debut

It didn’t take 2021 first-round pick, Greg Rousseau, long to make his presence felt in Buffalo’s preseason game against the Lions. On the first drive of the game, the edge rusher scored the team’s first sack of the year with a nice shot on Jared Goff.

https://twitter.com/BuffaloBills/status/1426321530175299585

Rousseau continued to get pressure on Lions’ passers, including a play where he teamed up with second-year defensive lineman A.J. Epenesa for a bone-crushing hit on Tim Boyle. The pressure forced Boyle to throw the ball short of the sticks on third down, which ultimately led to a fourth-down stop.

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