Finally free of Rex Ryan's swarming defense, the Buffalo Bills' beleaguered quarterbacks exceeded expectations in a 25-24 loss to the Carolina Panthers in the teams' preseason opener.
Veteran Matt Cassel, the starter by default, converted a pair of third down in two series, finishing 7 of 8 for 45 yards. He did not lead a scoring drive, thanks in part to a shanked field goal by Jordan Gay.
The second quarterback through the rotation, Tyrod Taylor, was the most impressive of the trio, converting both of his possessions into touchdowns.