There were a few steps in the right direction against Pittsburgh, but Buffalo’s third preseason game looked awfully similar to the first two, with inconsistent play on both sides of the ball.
Stock up:
WR David Nelson: Nelson is still making his way back from a knee injury early in training camp but made some strides against the Steelers. He had an excellent 25-yard catch on Buffalo’s second drive, which set up Fred Jackson’s one-yard score. Nelson remains one of QB Ryan Fitzpatrick’s favorite targets and it’s important that the two are in sync heading into the regular season.
CB Terrence McGee: This one may be a bit surprising, but I’ll explain. Yes, McGee was beat for a long touchdown on his first play of the game, but the good news is that the veteran was able to play in a preseason game for the first time this year. With two young CBs currently starting in Stephon Gilmore and Aaron Williams, the Bills could really use a healthy McGee this season and he’s finally making progress on the injury front. After the game, McGee said he was around 90 percent.
K John Potter: Another game, two more touchbacks for the rookie kicker. Potter is making a strong case to make the team as a kickoff specialist. All of his kickoffs have gone for touchbacks this preseason.
Stock down:
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick: The Bills weren’t particularly efficient on the offensive side of the ball in the most important game of the preseason. Fitzpatrick was 7 of 18 for 89 yards and struggled with his throws at times. Still, there’s no reason to panic -- it’s just the preseason.
QB Vince Young: Young’s performance was more alarming than Fitzpatrick’s, and it looks like it will cost him his spot on the roster. The Bills are on the verge of trading for Seattle QB Tarvaris Jackson, according to reports, which would signal the end to Young's short stint with the Bills. One week after seemingly taking a firm grasp on the primary backup role, Young was 12 of 26 for 103 yards and had two bad interceptions. Tyler Thigpen could now be back in the competition -- and he didn’t even play Saturday night.
Offensive line: OL coach Joe D’Alessandris chewed out his players at a midweek practice and LG Andy Levitre said the line “wasn’t where it should be” at this point in the preseason. Well, looks like both were right. The line struggled against an impressive Steelers pass rush and Fitzpatrick received several big hits in the pocket. That has to be cleaned up.
For more updates on the Bills follow correspondent Mark Ludwiczak on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLBUF and @MarkLud12.
