POSITIVES
Thigpen - Better showing from Thigpen who was under pressure most of the night. He looked much better compared to last week. His touchdown toss to Huggins was really good.
Barnett - Up and down night for Barnett who over pursued on a few plays but made more positive plays than negative. I think he'll be a guy who makes a lot of plays this year. He'll get caught relying on his instincts sometimes but more often than not that will work out in his favor.
Dareus - #99 came through with another sack against the first teamers. This guy is the real deal and should have a great season. I hope Merriman can play next Saturday against the Jags. I'd love to see these 2 guys next to each other again. I feel like this defense is infinitely more exciting with Dareus and Merriman in there next to Kyle Williams.
Troup - Despite being handicapped with that club, Troup is still making plays out there. I look forward to him getting rid of that club and being back to 100%. This could be a big year for him if he can stay healthy. He's worked his ass off this offseason.
CJ Spiller - Spiller logged in a lot of time as the #1 back. He looked really good on some runs and some receiving plays as well. He needs to work on his blitz pick up big time. Fred Jackson is so much better in that area. I'll throw him in the positive side because of some of those runs and catches.
Aiken - Did some good work in garbage time. I would like to see him get a few more reps with the 2nd team.
NEGATIVES
Demetrius Bell - Bell's worst performance in a long time. I'm beginning to seriously question the decision to not bring in any competition for Bell who isn't looking like our long term Left Tackle. He has to rebound with a better performance next week, otherwise Gailey is going to have to make some tough decisions about his line.
OL - See above. The line was not good enough. Some of that was Bell. Some of that was Pears. Some of that was Wood. They need another full half of playing time next week. Nix not bringing in any free agent tackles or guards is the most disappointing thing of this offseason. If they continue this downward spiral, Nix has some explaining to do. Luckily for him, it's still preseason.
Fitz - Rough outing for Fitzpatrick, who occasionally has these types of games. Some of it wasn't his fault as he had no time but other times he just threw some really bad balls. Fitz needs to rebound next week. The first team offense has yet to score a touchdown in preseason. The fans are definitely having doubts about him right now. A strong performance against the Jags could really help his case going into the regular season as the guy.
McKelvin - For all of the talk that McKelvin was having a strong camp, I have yet to see the results during these 2 preseason games. Orton seemed to go after him at one point during the game.
Alex Carrington - I expected more from him with the first teamers. He stands out more against the second stringers. I have high hopes for Carrington but I need to see more. He's still developing as a football player so it's nothing to worry about right now. This is a big season for him and his progress or lack thereof will be tracked this year.
QUICK HITS
These teams play each other later this year so what you saw tonight isn't what you'll see later. Very basic offensive and defensive packages. Neither team was going to give away much....I wanted to see what Batten could do in a bigger role but I wasn't as impressed this week...Fred Jackson, because of his passion and leadership, should still be the #1 RB going into the season. I have a feeling they are leaning towards Spiller because of their investment in him.... Loved the guys fighting back after the Donald Jones hit... Michael Jasper had a rough night. Every time I saw him he was either being pushed back or being stuffed at the line... Reid Forrest didn't really standout tonight. He has to in order for the Bills to justify getting rid of Moorman....Eddins made another play tonight by sacking Tebow. The undrafted rookie out of Ball State is doing his best to get the coaches attention.
In case you missed it, read the 2 posts below this where I go over every play of the Bills v. Broncos game.
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