The Bills have mentioned how game planning was at a minimum heading into the first two preseason games, but the approach in practice took a complete 180 Tuesday in preparation for Saturday's game against Pittsburgh.
"We told them we were going to practice just like a game week this week," said head coach Chan Gailey. "We go (shells) on Wednesday, pads on Thursday and then (shells) back again on Friday, so we're doing it the same way this week. We're trying to learn our tempo in (shells). Without pads on you've got to have great tempo and we've got to learn that."
Buffalo's first team offense and first team defense each got extensive work against scout teams running Pittsburgh looks Tuesday. The second team units also got some exposure to Steelers' plays in the two-hour practice session.
Gailey admits there are still a few kinks they'd like to iron out before the regular season begins, but he feels his players and his staff have enough time to do that.
"There were some glitches to be honest with you," he said. "We need to practice that. We've got some new staff members. We've got a new defense. We've got a whole new system of things we're trying to get done so we're practicing game week just like we practice everything else."
The Bills sideline boss isn't troubled by the areas of his team's game that needs ironing out. He maintains there are always things for a team to work out prior to the regular season.
Troup's reps increasingBills defensive tackle Torell Troup has been battling his way back from offseason back surgery throughout the preseason. On Tuesday prior to practice while warming up on the stationary bike he was asked by an athletic trainer how he's feeling.
"I'm feeling good today," said Troup.
The third-year defensive lineman saw his most extensive action Tuesday in the practice setting and appears to be taking some noticeable steps forward.
"It's been frustrating and a slow process for everybody," said defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt. "He's doing everything that he can at this point and we're getting him in some team work now. Obviously we don't have pads on today, but from the standpoint of moving around at a full speed pace that's what we're working through. We put the pads on tomorrow (Wednesday) and we'll see how he does practice full speed with the pads. We're optimistic and hopeful that we can get him some playing time before the preseason is over."
Troup is still not moving at full speed in the practice setting, and whether he'll make enough progress to see game action before next Thursday's preseason finale remains to be seen.
"I'll tell you Torell is pushing through," said Gailey. "It's impressive to watch him because he's not anywhere near 100 percent, but he's pushing through and trying to work through it."
Wannstedt on state of defenseBuffalo's defensive boss provided his take on where he feels his defensive unit stands after a pair of preseason outings.
"When you look back I was very pleased coming out of the first game. Last week's game, when you look at the running game and I told Chan that quarterbacks aren't going to scramble like that," said Wannstedt in reference to Minnesota backup quarterback Joe Webb. "I take fault for that I underestimated what a great athlete the kid was. Once we adjusted our rush and said, 'Okay we're going back to contain him we sacked him once.'
"In the first five plays we had two sacks and one scramble. The big plays (given up) were a little bit disturbing. Aaron Williams is almost like a rookie and Stephon (Gilmore) is a rookie, so our two corners in two critical positions are guys that really haven't played much in this league. They're going to be tested every week and see things that are new for them. We're going to have to work through that and get them caught up to minimize the big plays."
Buffalo's defense gave up six plays of 20 yards or more in the first half.
Lineup notesWith Mark Anderson still resting a strained groin, Jarron Gilbert lined up at left defensive end with Kyle Moore on the right side for a second straight day.
Arthur Moats lined up with the starting base defense at strong side linebacker, which means it's likely he'll get the starting nod Saturday night against Pittsburgh. Kirk Morrison started there last week against Minnesota after Moats started in that spot against Washington.
Non-participantsIn addition to Anderson, also sitting out of practice were Johnny White, Cris Hill, Dorin Dickerson, Josh Nesbitt, Zebrie Sanders and Erik Pears.
ScheduleThe Bills have a pads practice Wednesday at 3:30 pm.
