Buffalo Bills Close Out Preseason With a Thud

Quick - what was the Buffalo Bills preseason record last year?  If you know you've got a better memory than me.  Most people don't care.  I don't.  What I do know is that I'm thrilled this year's preseason is over.

After Thursday night's 31-0 loss to the Detroit Lions, one thing's for certain; the player cuts should be a lot easier for the Bills coaching staff.  The final preseason game is traditionally a chance for some players to prove they deserve a roster spot.  Based on their performances in Detroit there were quite a few that may want to consider another career.

It appeared the plan was to go thru the motions, keep the projected starters on the sidelines and avoid injury.  The Bills accomplished the first two, but couldn't avoid the last one with six players heading to the locker room with injuries, but none of them appeared to be serious.

There were a couple of players who likely did earn a roster spot with their play.  Tight end Nick O'Leary who finished with six catches for 63 yards, plus another catch that went 30 yards but was wiped out by a bad offensive interference call.  Fullback Glenn Gronkowski made a bid for a roster spot with four carries for 19 yards and running back Dan Herron had 16 carries for 35 yards.

An interesting decision for the Bills at quarterback.  Cardale Jones continues to show confidence and a strong arm.  Could he become the Bills primary back-up to Tyrod Taylor making E-J Manuel expendable.  A number of teams are looking for a quarterback and if the price is right the Bills could bite.

By the way the Bills preseason record last year was 2-2.  This year they finished 1-3.

The Bills need to reduce their roster to the league mandated 53 players by 4 pm Saturday.  Their regular season opener is a week from Sunday when they travel to Baltimore to face the Ravens.