The Bills wrapped up preseason practices at training camp at St. John Fisher Thursday, but their offense didn't really end camp on a high note. Ryan Fitzpatrick and the offense were out of sync in the passing game for the past couple of days as new material was being installed.
"We got a lot of good work in," said Fitzpatrick. "I think offensively the last few days we didn't practice like we wanted to. That being said, we've got the three games to get ready for the season. I think we got a lot done here. I think we really grew as a team. We're excited to get back to Orchard Park and start practicing there."
Head coach Chan Gailey isn't thrilled, but realizes with a shortened offseason it will take longer into the preseason to get everything ironed out.
"We've got a long way to go in the timing of our passing game right now. We're putting in new stuff to get a look at it," said Gailey. "It leaves something to be desired right now when we walked off the field in the passing game.
One thing I'm pleased about is we walked out of here with no major injuries. No guys headed to I-R, things like that, which is good. That's a positive. I said all along I never expected it to be anywhere near polished right now. The goal is Sept. 11th not walking out of camp."
Defense looking solidBuffalo's defense arguably had one of their better camps in recent years with a consistent surge at the line of scrimmage and a host of new talent added to the mix, the Bills believe they could have something exciting on that side of the ball.
"Marcell (Dareus) has definitely been a great addition to our group, not only him, but a lot of the other rookies as well," said Andra Davis. "Just going into our second year in this defense everybody is a lot more comfortable with what they're asked to do. It's working out communication. I think being behind the eight ball, not having the OTAs, that has forced us to communicate a lot more.
"As long as we continue to get better each and every day in practice and in the games up until Sept. 11th that's what it's all about. When Sept. 11th comes hopefully we're more prepared and ready for Kansas City."
HighlightsThe defense had a healthy share of highlights Thursday. Leodis McKelvin finished a solid camp with a pass breakup early in 7-on-7 on a pass that had Donald Jones targeted by Ryan Fitzpatrick. He also had another pass break up near the end of practice during 11-on-11.
Aaron Williams had his second interception in as many days on a throw by Brad Smith during 7-on-7 work.
Nick Barnett dropped in coverage and made the right read picking off a Ryan Fitzpatrick pass, which he took the other way.
Tyler Thigpen tried to hit Mike Caussin near the goal line, but it was tipped by Aaron Williams in coverage and Reggie Corner dove to make the interception before the ball hit the ground.
Drayton Florence went fully extended to prevent an attempted touchdown pass from Fitzpatrick to Stevie Johnson. Florence also had a pass breakup that almost went for an interception earlier in practice.
Bryan Scott wound up with an interception during 11-on-11 when a Fitzpatrick pass was tipped by Danny Batten, bobbled by intended receiver Johnny White and then snatched by Scott who took it the other way for an INT.
On offense Marcus Easley pulled in this throw over the middle from Tyler Thigpen on a deep post pattern for 25 yards.
Naaman Roosevelt also made a play in the deep middle on a pass from Brad Smith during 7-on-7.
Johnson and Fitzpatrick showed good timing on this 20-yard hookup with Fitz anticipating Johnson's break in 11-on-11.
Felton Huggins jumped to make a leaping grab for a touchdown in the front left corner of the end zone on a throw from Thigpen.
And rookie Kamar Aiken had an over the shoulder touchdown grab in the right corner of the end zone on a throw from Thigpen.
Injury updateNot participating Thursday and not looking good for Saturday's preseason game against Denver were Justin Rogers, Kelvin Sheppard, Shawne Merriman, Kellen Heard, Chris Hairston, Craig Davis, Shawn Nelson and Chris White.
Gailey officially ruled Merriman and Roscoe Parrish, who has been practicing on a very limited basis the past two days out for Saturday's game.
Next practiceBuffalo has a closed walk through practice at One Bills Drive Friday before they depart for Denver to play the Broncos Saturday. Kickoff is set for 8:30.
