Two Bills Drive

‘The job of every player fighting for a roster spot is to make it hard for the coaching staff to cut him. Brown has done just that.’

‘No offense, but here’s hoping he doesn’t start eight games this year.’

‘Starting for the injured Travis Henry, Burns gained 33 yards on nine carries. He also had a couple of big hits on special teams.’

The New England Patriots released six players, including Corbin Lacina, who started all 16 games at left guard last season for Minnesota. Lacina, 32, started 79 of his 121 NFL games with Minnesota, Carolina and Buffalo during his 10 seasons. The Vikings led the NFL in rushing last season.

‘While Brown hasn’t done much as a receiver, and the Bills do have third receiver Bobby Shaw slotted to be their prime punt returner – he ranked fourth in the AFC last season playing for Jacksonville – Brown has certainly made a strong case to make the team.’

‘Frankly, one could argue that the Bills have not faced a more significant opening game ever.’

‘Instead, the Bills coaching staff used last night’s game to evaluate players on the bubble before final cuts to bring the roster down to 53 players are made on Sunday. To that end, Antonio Brown may have made the strongest case when he outsprinted the Lions defence on a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown, his second of the pre-season. With moves like that, it may be difficult to keep the former Winnipeg Blue Bomber out of the lineup in nine days when the Bills open the season against the New England Patriots.’

‘The Bills scored in the first quarter on Antonio Brown’s 75-yard punt return touchdown and on Alex Van Pelt’s 34-yard touchdown pass to Josh Reed. The Bills rallied for the game-winning, one-yard touchdown run by Olandis Gary with 12:01 left to play.’

‘Shawn Bryson: 6-feet-1, 228 pounds, fifth year out of Tennessee. Speedy back who can catch. Gained 591 yards with Buffalo in 2000. For career has played in 37 games and gained 967 yards for a 3.8 per carry average. Had knee surgery last year. Thursday: Six carries for 10 yards.’

‘They gave up a touchdown on a 75-yard punt return just 1:44 into the game — have you ever seen such a gaping hole up the middle? — and a fumble resulted in another Bills TD. Gifts.’

‘The loss made the Lions 2-2. Buffalo, picked to contend for first place in the powerful AFC East, finished 3-1.’

‘Bryson had six carries for only 10 yards and one catch for eight yards. He also lost a fumble.’

‘Stewart turned up in the hole and was met by Bills safety Coy Wire, who had a direct hit on him. Stewart was then hit from behind by several Buffalo players in a pileup.’

‘There were some good things to come out of Thursday’s game, including the performance of backup quarterback Mike McMahon. When he entered the game, the Lions were down 14-0 and Bryson fumbled the ball on McMahon’s second play from scrimmage. After that, though, McMahon led Detroit on four consecutive scoring drives and Detroit took a 16-14 lead.’

‘More important, Buffalo finished comparatively injury free.’