The Bills came away with a 9-3 win over the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday in their second preseason game. While the score didn’t show an overwhelming victory, the Bills coaching staff has to be more pleased with this effort than they were last week in an exhibition loss to Chicago.

ALLEN WATCHES FROM THE SIDELINES, TRUBISKY INJURED

Head Coach Sean McDermott said on Friday that the Bills healthy starters, including star QB Josh Allen, would likely play into the second quarter on Saturday against the Steelers, but weather would play a factor in that decision. With rain storms throughout the afternoon in Pittsburgh, the Bills decided to play it safe and keep Allen off the field. While he was in uniform and served as a captain for the coin toss, Allen did not play a single snap.

Mitchell Trubisky instead led the first team offense. Before leaving the game with a knee injury, he finished 9-of-13 for 86 passing yards and an interception, while taking two sacks. Trubisky did have a couple of nice throws tight ends Quintin Morris and Zach Davidson for big gains. In his second stint as the Bills backup quarterback, Trubisky has not had a particularly impressive summer through the first two preseason games. If he is injured seriously in any way, the Bills will need to look for another backup QB with the newly-signed Ben DiNucci the only other option currently behind Allen.

MVS LEAVES GAME ON CART

Wide receiver Marquez Valdes-Scantling left the game after making a catch in the second quarter and did not return with a neck injury. Valdes-Scantling remained down in the field for several minutes after he was tackled, with his teammates eventually gathering around him and many taking a knee.   He was able to walk off the field with trainers, and eventually sat in the front seat of a cart while they transported him to the locker room at the end of the first half. 

ROUSSEAU, BILLS DEFENSIVE FLEX ON THE STEELERS

Defensive end Greg Rousseau was a beast in the first half for the Bills defense. In their first three series, Rousseau had 2.5 sacks and four total tackles.  He used his combination of strength and speed to make light work of his opposition on the Steelers offensive line and was in Pittsburgh QB Russell Wilson’s face a bunch. Rousseau has been one of the standouts on the Bills defensive line throughout training camp and the preseason as he looks to become a dominant force in his fourth NFL season.  Top defensive tackle Ed Oliver also had a disruptive performance with a half sack and three total tackles.  The Buffalo D-line looks like it could be a strength of the team this season, which could be critical considering injuries and new faces in the linebacker and safety groups.

THE TACKLING MACHINE JOE ANDREESSEN

With LB Matt Milano out indefinitely and Baylon Spector also out, the Bills decided not to play starting backer Terrel Bernard.  Dorian Williams took Milano’s place, while undrafted rookie Joe Andreessen got the start at middle linebacker for Bernard.  Andressen certainly made the most of his opportunity for playing time, racking up tackle after tackle against Pittsburgh’s starters and reserves. He finished with seven solo tackles and five assists to lead the team.  It’s been quite a summer for Andreessen, who grew up rooting for the Bills while playing at Lancaster High School and finished his college career at the University at Buffalo.

DAVIS, COOK AND BILLS RUNNING GAME SHOW IMPROVEMENT

The preseason opener against Chicago was a struggle for the Bills offense trying to run the football, as the line was able to create little room for running backs James Cook and Ray Davis.  It was a different story on Saturday in Pittsburgh, as the rookie Davis ran eight times for 58 yards, averaging 7.3 yards per carry.  Cook got off to strong start to begin the game and settled in with 25 yards on six carries. Darrynton Evans and Frank Gore Jr. also found success on the ground.

HARDY CARRIES PUNT RETURN DUTIES

Rookie CB Daequan Hardy had a shot to handle punt return duties on Saturday. Twice, he fielded punts deep in his own territory that some would consider risky moves.  On another punt return, he took it outside and up the sideline for a 31-yard return.  The Bills drafted Hardy first and foremost for his return ability, and he showed his explosiveness on that play. Hardy has competition from WR K.J. Hamler, who was listed as the Bills top kick and punt returner on their unofficial depth chart.  Hardy also played boundary cornerback when the second unit came on for the defense.