Winners and Losers from the Buffalo Bills first preseason game

Missing a two-point conversion late in the game, the Buffalo Bills dropped their opening preseason game against the Indianapolis Colts. Despite the result, the Bills proved that they both have some solid areas of their team as well as areas that they need to work on from now till the opening of the regular season.

Certain players also impressed during the game during their limited reps while others proved that they may not be ready for the spotlight. No matter the result of the game, learning who is ready to perform this season is the main point of these preseason contests and will key to the Buffalo Bills playoff push this season.

With that in my mind, today we will be taking a look at the winners and losers from the Bills opening preseason game against the Colts.

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Winners

1. Cardale Jones

Coming in for the third quarter onward, Cardale Jones finally got his chance to show what he can do in an NFL offense. Thought to be an extremely raw prospect when drafted back in April, Jones was extremely impressive during this game throwing for 162-yards and a touchdown.

Though fellow backup quarterback EJ Manuel also performed at a solid level, Jones will definitely find himself moving up in the minds of his coaches as he attempts to overtake Manuel for the team’s second string quarterback spot.

2. Walter Powell

Not even listed near the top of the wide receiver depth chart, Walter Powell was impressive during his time on the field hauling in four passes for 88-yards including a long reception of 40-yards. While the third-year player did appear in two games for the Bills last season, he did not have any catches.

Given his performance against the Colts, I expect to see Powell get more of a chance in the coming week to try and backup his game. If he continues to play at a high level for the rest of the preseason, Powell could have a shot at winning a spot on the Buffalo Bills roster and possibly contending for the third-string receiver spot.

3. Lorenzo Alexander

Reggie Ragland, Shaq Lawson, and now IK Enemkpali! The Bills choices at outside linebacker are quickly thinning out. However, with a lack of primary players rises a chance for others on the roster to earn a starting role within the defense this season. That could be the case for Bills linebacker Lorenzo Alexander.

Recording three unassisted tackles during the game against the Colts, Alexander showed that he does have the ability to play at outside linebacker. I will definitely be watching the practices this week to see if Alexander is put in a position to challenge for a starting spot at outside linebacker.

READ MORE: Shaq Lawson listed at outside linebacker

Losers

1. Marquise Goodwin

Targeted twice during his time on the field, Marquise Goodwin failed to record a single catch during the game. Attempting and failing to qualify for the United States Olympic team this past offseason, Goodwin’s failure to perform on the field combined with his missed practice time could have a negative effect on his chances.

Though he was listed in the top six of the Bills receiver depth chart, Goodwin should fall this week following his own performance and those around him. Goodwin needs to rebound next week if he want’s to assure himself a role with the Buffalo Bills this season.

2. Dan Carpenter

Taking both field goal opportunities, Carpenter failed to convert a 53-yard attempt early in the fourth quarter that would have given the Bills a six-point lead. Given the fact that Carpenter was one of the most under-pressure kickers entering the preseason, missing out on a 53-yard attempt — while long in distance, most quality kickers today can make it consistently — could sink Carpenter farther into danger.

3. Karlos Williams

Though he did not play against the Colts last night, Williams may be the biggest loser on the team because of the performance of the other running backs on the roster. Mike Gillislee while not amazing, did have a solid night rushing for 25-yards on three attempts. Rookie Jonathan Williams also played well with 44-yards on eight rushes.

If the running backs keep playing at a good level with Reggie Bush and LeSean McCoy guaranteed a roster spot, Williams could be the odd-man-out in Buffalo. The biggest wildcard could be whether or not Jonathan Williams receives any suspension for his offseason arrest, something that will benefit Karlos Williams.

READ MORE: Bills drop preseason opener to Colts

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