Two Bills Drive

‘The Bills were 8-8 last year and should improve by at least one victory.’

‘Buffalo forced three takeaways, including interceptions by Clements and linebacker DaShon Polk, who also recovered a fumble. In addition, the Bills logged three sacks.’

‘While all eyes were on the quarterbacks, special teams proved to be the difference. Antonio Brown’s 87-yard punt return for a touchdown with 3:19 left in the broke a 13-13 tie.’

‘In the Ravens’ preseason opener against the Buffalo Bills, quarterback Boller drew oohs and aahs from the crowd of 68,550 at M&T Bank Stadium, and linebacker Suggs received a cheer for one nice tackle and nothing else. Given ample opportunities to rush the passer, the sack specialist and 10th overall pick in this year’s NFL draft was a non-factor.’

‘A play or two earlier in his highly anticipated, third-quarter debut, Boller had flicked a 30-yard pass down the middle of the field. It looked effortless – and a sign of times to come the way Boller hit Ravens tight end Trent Smith for a 39-yard gain.’

‘Billick did not muster up much of a defense on how the Ravens could allow a 87-yard punt return for a touchdown in the fourth quarter with the game tied at 13. “It needs to be a lot better, obviously,” Billick said of the special teams play.’

‘Redman’s best series was his second, with the Ravens beginning on the Bills 42-yard line after a defensive stand left Buffalo to punt from its 8. The drive began with two runs, and then on third down and four, Redman took advantage of superior pass protection to complete a 13-yarder to Marcus Robinson.’

‘The Ravens’ first-team offense played 17 plays against the Bills and looked sharp on their second possession of the game. Redman marched the Ravens 42 yards on seven plays for a Jamal Lewis 1-yard touchdown. On the drive Redman went 2-for-2 for 32 yards.’

‘Joe Burns has been through this before. And chances are, the former Thomas County Central and Georgia Tech standout will have to go through it again.’

‘Dorenbos is the first-team long snapper for the Bills. He’s made a great impression in camp and has been written up several times in the Buffalo News for his accuracy. He’s expected to make the team as the Bills have a long history of dedicating a spot solely to that position.’

‘Rookie tight end Trent Smith, a seventh-round draft pick of the Baltimore Ravens, suffered a broken left tibia in the team’s preseason opener Saturday night and will likely miss the entire season.’

‘“We came out and did some key things we wanted to do — three-and-outs and turnovers,” Clements said.’

‘The Bills got their other points on Olandis Gary’s one-yard TD run late in the first quarter and a pair of field goals by Rian Lindell.’

‘Rookie Antonio Brown returned a punt 87 yards for the winning points as Buffalo held off Baltimore in the Bills preseason opener.’

‘The Bills are next in action Saturday in Tennessee. They return to St.John Fisher for practice on Monday at 2:45 which is open to the public.’