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Five things we learned about the Bills this preseason
Rex Ryan is entering his first season as the head coach of the Buffalo Bills, as Tyrod Taylor is doing the same at quarterback. Ryan named Taylor the starter for Week 1, which gives the offense another wrinkle this season. However, there's a lack of healthy bodies at running back and wide receiver.
Fortunately, Taylor has played well this preseason, but it's unclear if he can keep up that play for 16 games. He completed 77 percent of his passes this preseason and didn't turn the ball over once, which is a great sign for the Bills offense. They weren't perfect, but the Bills looked rock solid during training camp.
With the regular season set to kick off on Thursday, here are the five most important things we learned from the Bills' preseason.
1. Tyrod Taylor finally earned his shot
It was the storyline that dominated the offseason for the Bills, but Tyrod Taylor finally beat out Matt Cassel and EJ Manuel to win the team's starting quarterback job. He has looked like the dynamic playmaker we knew him as in the preseason, without the turnovers. His running ability paired with his strong arm make him the best candidate to lead the Bills to the playoffs, especially with the speedy LeSean McCoy by his side. The read-option could be a huge weapon for the Bills this season.
2. Injuries have plagued the offense
Argubaly no team has dealt with more injuries than the Bills. Every significant running back has been sidelined at some point in camp, while the team's top three receivers have dealt with the same issues. Fortunately, the team is deep at both positions, but durability has become a serious question for the upcoming season.
3. Questions loom on offensive line
The Bills offensive line is all but set for the regular season with Seantrel Henderson named the starting right tackle. Still, questions loom across the line, specifically with regard to Richie Incognito and Henderson's pass protection. Taylor may be scrambling more often than he'd like to, but he has the ability to outrun defenders when necessary.
4. Charles Clay has flown under the radar
When the Bills brought in Charles Clay to replace Scott Chandler at tight end, he was viewed as an upgrade. Until the team's third preseason game when he caught a 67-yard touchdown, however, Clay went relatively unnoticed in practice. He had just four catches in the preseason, with hardly any in practice, either. Still, he should be an impact player for the Bills this season.
5. Ronald Darby is a starting-caliber cornerback
Second-round rookie corner Ronald Darby was thrust into the starting lineup when Leodis McKelvin was sidelined with an injury. He had an up-and-down preseason, but his two-interception game against the Browns showed his potential. He deflected six passes in just three starts, which means he was constantly in good position and around the ball.
