ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Three preseason games are still not enough for the Bills to have an answer to their biggest question: Who will be the starting quarterback for the final preseason game, or the regular season opener?

"No further quarterback developments from last night at this point," said Bills head coach Sean McDermott prior to Monday's practice. "We're still coming off the game. A little bit unique practicing the day after and not having a day off. We're still coming off the game and processing that information right now."

Part of that process is evaluating Josh Allen's first career start, which could be tough to do.  The rookie quarterback seemed to be surging throughout preseason. He struggled, however, in his first time facing the opponents' top defenders, completing 6 of 12 passes for 34 yards.

Still, McDermott finds value in the experience. 

"I did like his poise in the pocket to an extent," he said. "I thought he got us in and out of the huddle for the most part and managed some highs and lows of the game, most of which didn't go our way early in the game. And that's all part of playing the quarterback position and leading our foot all team."

Fellow players offered advice to the young signal caller.

"Keep pushing. We've been through ups and downs throughout my career and I'm sure other guys told him too it's not all going to be perfect," said wide receiver Rod Streater. "As long as you get out there and you continue to look for the next play. Everything will work out. You can't focus on the bad. You've just got to look forward."

Some of Allen's difficulties can be blamed for poor offensive line play in front of him. That unit allowed the Bengals to sack Allen five times. The Bills coaches were moving several lineman in and out of the lineup and using them at different spots, but to McDermott that shouldn't matter.  

"The shifting was intentional because that could be realistic for the season where we have an injury. That would be an excuse if that's used for the reason," McDermott said. 

Nathan Peterman has clearly been the Bills most consistent quarterback this summer and it showed as he came in for Allen and led the team to 13 points. His steadiness has been noticed by his teammates.

"He'll have a good game. He's never thinking he's better than anybody. He has a bad game he's never getting down on himself," said safety Micah Hyde, who sits next to Peterman in the locker room. "He's always looking forward to the next game. He prepares well. One of the best guys on the team at preparing for the opponent."

As for AJ McCarron, McDermott says his ability to throw the ball has improved dramatically as he returns from a shoulder injury. 

No word on which of the quarterbacks will play or how much in Thursday's preseason finale in Chicago.