Bills vs. Steelers Recap: Preseason Week 2

Well, at least this is only preseason. Because that was a very shotty performance by both sides of the football. The Buffalo Bills lost to the Pittsburgh Steelers, 27-15. Matt Barkley finished with four turnovers (three INTs, one fumble) and the team had a total of 13 penalties.

OL play was very inconsistent

Both tackle positions were very inconsistent to start the game. Spencer Brown had about three penalties that I counted, and Dion Dawkins got beat four times. Not to mention Tommy Doyle was carted off with an air cast on his left knee later in the game. Having Ryan Van Demark, Richard Gouraige, and David Quessenberry as the backup OTs is definitely worrisome. It may be time to bring back Jason Peters.

QB2 is definitely a big problem

Well, let’s just hope and pray that Josh Allen doesn’t get hurt. Matt Barkley’s four turnovers, and Kyle Allen’s inability to hit somebody downfield leads me to believe they aren’t the answer to backup Josh Allen. The Bills are going to need to bring in some competition sooner rather than later.

The Josh Allen/Gabe Davis connection was HOT.

It was a very small showing, but Allen’s connection with Gabe Davis looked as strong as it did last year before his ankle injury. On a play that didn’t count due to a Spencer Brown penalty, Allen tossed a 50-yard bomb to Davis on the sideline. If both can stay healthy, it will be a very good duo. Davis finished the night with two receptions for 29 yards.

Backup pass rushers had a good day

Kameron Cline had a nice fumble recovery to set the Bills up at the one yard line, along with one sack as well. Later in the game, Kingsley Jonathan had an 11-yard sack on Mason Rudolph to force a FG attempt. It will be a fun competition to see who they keep during Von Miller’s expected absence.

What a day for the rookies

Fifth-round pick Justin Shorter had himself a pretty good day working with Matt Barkley and Kyle Allen. Recording five receptions for 47 yards and a TD, Shorter gave the Bills even more of a reason to keep him around on the 53-man roster (likely as the sixth receiver), especially since he also worked with the ST unit.

Dalton Kincaid and O’Cyrus Torrence had great days as well. Kincaid finished with three receptions for 45 yards, and worked mainly out of the slot position. Torrence started the game and was the lone bright spot from the OL. Torrence did a very nice job run blocking, and protecting Josh Allen’s blind side at the RG position. Seeing him play with Josh should be very telling for who starts Week 1.

Injuries

Matt Barkley suffered an elbow injury, Tommy Doyle suffered a knee injury, DJ Dale suffered a back injury, and Shane Ray suffered a hamstring injury. None returned to the game.

The Buffalo Bills go to Chicago to face the Bears in next week’s preseason finale.

Featured Image: Abigail Dean/Pittsburgh Steelers