Buffalo Bills Drop Their Preseason Opener

The Buffalo Bills are no closer to determining their starting quarterback this year after Friday night's preseason 25-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers.  All four quarterbacks on the roster got playing time with Matt Cassell and Tyrod Taylor splitting the first half while EJ Manuel took most of the snaps in the second half with Matt Simms in a clean-up role.

Casell completed 7 of 8 passes for 45 yards and mainly played safe, smart football.  Taylor brought some excitement to the game leading the Bills on touchdown drives of 65 and 90 yards completing 5 of 8 passes and rushing 6 times for 47 yards.

Manuel connected with Deonte Thompson on a 51-yard scoring play that gave the Bills a 24-17 lead.  And that lead looked safe until late in the game when the Panthers drove 91 yards in 5 plays, then were successful on a two-point conversion with less than a minute to play to win it.

Just brief appearances for most of the starters on both offense and defense.  LeSean McCoy had 6 carries for 16 yards.  Running back Karlos Williams got the majority of the work with 9 carries for 33 yards.

Very interesting that IK Enempkpali got extended playing time for the Bills.  Cut by the New York Jets after breaking the jaw of quarterback Geno Smith earlier in the week, he was signed by the Bills a day later and played Friday night.  Obviously, the Bills seriously think he might have a role in their defense.

The Bills play at Cleveland next Thursday night.