Game Recap: Preseason Week 4 (Detroit at Buffalo)

Starters play sparingly in 16-6 loss; Bills finish preseason 1-3

    Being the final preseason contest, there wasn't much significant that could be taken away from Thursday night's contest against the Lions.
   Instead of risking the starters to injury, both coaches decided to use the live game action to give a final evaluation of those battling for final roster spots.  Overall, the Bills starting offense and defense played two drives a piece, before leaving with the score still knotted at zero.
   Some notes:

Positives:

1)  The "Front Seven" is looking more impressive as the weeks go by...
   Plenty of praise has been heaped on the defensive front during the preseason.  By consistently winning the battle at the line of scrimmage, the Bills have managed to simultaneously improve a pass rush and a run defense that were absolutely pathetic only nine months ago.
   But I was most impressed Thursday night on back-to-back plays when the Bills linebackers (Shawne Merriman and Chris Kelsay) were able to chase down screen plays that otherwise could have gone for big gains.
   It's one thing to play intense and aggressive.  But smart teams (such as the Patriots) will take advantage of a defense's over-pursuit by running draws and screens.  The way to combat that is by playing with discipline, taking good angles and not missing tackles. 
   If those two plays were indicative of what we can expect, I'm officially excited about the potential of this starting defense.

Negatives:

1)  Missed opportunities...
   If last year told us anything, we can expect the Bills to be in lots of close games.  Since their talent level is still below many of the regular playoff contenders, Buffalo can't afford to miss big plays when the opportunity arises.
   On their first drive, quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick overthrew Steve Johnson deep down the middle of the field for a potential touchdown, after the receiver had clearly beaten coverage.  On the next series, they switched places - as Fitzpatrick floated a high but catchable ball deep down the field, which Johnson had knocked loose from his hands. 
   Either catch would have meant at least a field goal, if not a touchdown.  Instead the Bills walked off the field with nothing.

2)  We better pray for an injury free season...
   While the offensive starters have been up-and-down during the preseason, the backup crew has been consistently terrible.  
   Although I liked the addition of Tyler Thigpen, he's really struggling right now and doesn't look capable of leading the team if Fitzpatrick goes down.  And as bad as the starting line has been - I can't picture the carnage if Ed Wang, Mansfield Wrotto or Chad Rhinehart get actual playing time in a real game.

Extra Points:
>>  With all the craziness of this offseason, I'm just ready for Week One.  The Bills have a chance to get everything kicked off nicely at Kansas City - a game which should be a very winnable against a team struggling to score points.