A few thoughts on the Buffalo Bills' 43-19 victory Saturday evening over the Pittsburgh Steelers:
What it means: Whichever direction the Bills turn at quarterback for their regular-season opener, Saturday's victory provided some optimism about the NFL's last unsettled QB competition. EJ Manuel (five drives), Matt Cassel (two drives) and Tyrod Taylor (three drives) completed a combined 25 of 28 passes for 321 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions. Manuel's surge further jumbles a competition that before Saturday looked to come down to Cassel or Taylor. The Bills are likely to keep all three quarterbacks on their 53-man roste and Taylor -- who led the offense on 80- and 78-yard touchdown drives -- could emerge as the favorite to start Sept. 13 against Indianapolis.
Play of the game: There are several deserving candidates here, but I'll go with Manuel's 67-yard touchdown strike to tight end Charles Clay. The Bills got an assist from the Steelers' defense on the play -- there wasn't much coverage on the play -- but Manuel delivered the ball to where it needed to be and Clay turned on the burners for the score. It was Manuel's fourth touchdown pass of the preseason.
Stat of note: 158.3, or Manuel's passer rating for the game. That's the highest-possible quarterback rating, and exactly what Manuel needed to keep his name in the Bills' conversation at quarterback. It might not be enough to earn him the starting job in Week 1, but Manuel's outing is a clear sign of progress from the former first-round pick who struggled in his first two seasons. Manuel finished 7-of-8 for 170 yards and two touchdowns.
Injuries of note: Top cornerback Stephon Gilmore left the game in the first quarter to be evaluated for a possible concussion; he was later, cleared but remained out for the rest of the game with a shoulder injury. The Bills also lost wide receiver Marquise Goodwin (ribs), linebacker Tony Steward (knee), wide receiver Marcus Thipgen (lower back) and wide receiver Austin Willis (head).
What’s next: The Bills must cut their roster to 75 players by 4 p.m. ET Tuesday. They'll play their final preseason game next Thursday in Detroit before trimming their roster to 53 players by Sept. 5.
