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Final Score: Redskins 17, Bills 14

The Bills rarely look very good in the preseason, so I didn't come into this game with any pre-conceived notions that tonight would be different. But I would have liked to see the offense show some signs of being different than last year's model. Like he has in practice, quarterback Trent Edwards played a deliberate style of football. He forced one pass that should have been intercepted and he did gun an 18-yarder to Roscoe Parrish. But for the most part Edwards' passes were short and safe. The only time the ball went downfield was when J.P. Losman got into the game and let one fly to Roscoe Parrish. To be fair, it's hard for an offense to get into a rhythm when the main guys are out there for just a couple of series, and you can bet offensive guru Turk Schonert is holding some things back. So give it another game or two before you start to panic.

The defense doesn't get a free pass, but it didn't have two starters and most of the regulars were out of the game midway through the first quarter. But when they were in there agains the Redskin starters, the Redskins were better. Their top two quarterbacks, Jason Campbell and former Bill Todd Collins 15 of 21 for 148 yards, plus one touchdown (by Campbell) and one interception (by Collins). Defensive coordinator Perry Fewell isn't going to show his hand either, so perhaps a healthier "D" will have a better showing next Thursday against Pittsburgh.

Fourth Quarter

11:03 The Bills had a promising drive end in the red zone when rookie running back Xavier Omon fumbled at the 11-yard line. That's one fumble each for Omon and Dwayne Wright in their competition to be the third running back.

Third Quarter

Sorry for the delay. Actually there hasn't been much to write about since it's mostly third and fourth teamers on the field. The highlight of the second half was some guy in the stands wearing a Terrell Owens Dallas Cowboys jersey hearing if from the crowd.

Second Quarter

1:11: After a trip in the red zone failed to produce points, J.P. Losman delivered a 16-yard touchdown pass to rookie James Hardy. Losman added a two-point pass to Justin Jenkins to tie the game at 14-all. Hardy had a rough first half before his touchdown, but that's what happens to rookies in their first NFL game.

9:44: The Skins just motored down the field for a touchdown against the Bills' second-team defense, which put up very little resistance. It's could be a long night for Buffalo.

14:19: J.P. Losman has taken over at quarterback, and on third down he gets sacked. Looked like he held on to the ball too long, but what else is new?

First Quarter

CB Terrence McGee is on the sidelines in shorts. Word is he has a sore ankle. Ashton Youboty started in his place.

14:55: Who said special teams was a concern? A big hit by John DiGiorgio forces a fumble that the Bills turn into three points. The drive stalled after miscommunication between rookie James Hardy and Trent Edwards resulted in a third-down incompletion.

6:39: A three and out for the Bills. So far, the offense doesn't look much better than last season. But it's still early, so we'll delay our judgment for a while.

0:43: The Bills' attempt at a goal line stand comes up short as Clinton Portis scores. It looked like the Bills were going to hold the Skins there, but the Skins collasped left side of the Bills line.

LANDOVER -- Greetings from FedEx Field. Took a while to get started here because had to pay to get the internet (75 bucks!!!) turned on. I told the Bills I'll never complain about their wireless service again (as far as they know).

Anyway, we're still about 25 minutes from kickoff. The Bills just completed their warmups and returned to the locker room. As we reported earlier, safety Donte Whitner (ankle), linebacker Angelo Crowell (knee), receiver Josh Reed (lower back) and defensive end Copeland Bryan (hamstring) did not make the trip. They spent the day getting treatment for their injuries, but are now no doubt sitting in their living rooms with a cold --non-alcoholic-- beverage waiting for the game.

Being that we have a story to write, we will do our best to keep you updated on what's going on.

---Allen Wilson