Buffalo Bills' first preseason game is in the books. The team won its opening contest against the Detroit Li..."/> Buffalo Bills' first preseason game is in the books. The team won its opening contest against the Detroit Li..."/>
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Buffalo Bills: 5 observations from preseason win over Detroit Lions

By Steven Psihogios

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
Lions fullback Jason Cabinda makes a catch behind Bills linebacker Andre Smith during the first half of the preseason game at Ford Field on Friday, Aug. 13, 2021. /

Andre Smith looks like he can snag a depth linebacker spot

Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, Tyrell Adams, and A.J. Klein seem like the four linebackers locked into spots on Buffalo’s roster, but behind them, Andre Smtih, Mike Bell, Tyrell Dodson, Joe Giles-Harris, and Tyler Matakevich are all fighting to make the team.

Smith stood out amongst the group, impressively compiling six solo tackles and two assisted tackles in the contest, including one tackle for a loss. He even had an interception that was unfortunately called back after Efe Obada was flagged for roughing the passer.

Buffalo traded for Smith right before last season due to his play on special teams. He certainly did a good job in this role last year after playing 48% of the Bills’ special teams snaps in 2020. Against the Detroit Lions, however, Smith showed he could also contribute on defense. This performance should give the coaching staff a little more confidence if he needs to play on this side of the ball.

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