Winners and Losers from the Buffalo Bills second preseason game

Earning a shutout against the New York Giants during their second preseason game, the Buffalo Bills were a combination of good and bad. Different areas of the team performed much differently with the offense and defense both harvesting their share of winners and losers.

While certain players impressed during the game with their reps others proved that they may not yet be ready for the NFL spotlight. No matter the result of the game, learning who is ready to perform this season is the main point of these preseason contests and will key to the Buffalo Bills playoff push this season.

With that in my mind, today we will be taking a look at the winners and losers from the Bills second preseason game against the New York Giants.

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Winners

1. Second string receivers

With only Sammy Watkins and Robert Woods likely guaranteed a starting spot at receiver this season, the battle for the final first team receiver spot remains up for grabs. If the Bills coaching staff was hoping to get some clarity following this game, they are in for a massive let down.

Walter Powell had three catches for 46-yards, Marquise Goodwin had three catches for 36-yards, Dez Lewis had a single 21-yard reception, and Greg Little added another three receptions for 35-yards and a receiving touchdown. With all four looking to earn that third receiver spot, it is almost certain that this battle will come down to the final weeks.

2. Kroy Biermann

It didn’t take long for Kroy Biermann to find a role within the Buffalo Bills defense. Playing in his first preseason game with the Bills, Biermann had five total tackles with a shared sack. The former Atlanta edge rusher, Biermann was signed to the Bills last week and is coming off a really down year in 2015.

Listed as an outside linebacker, Biermann should move his way up the depth chart this week. With Buffalo needing as much help as it can get currently at the linebacker position, Biermann’s performance should prove to the coaching staff that he still has some tread on his wheels.

3. Tyrod Taylor

If there was any doubt about Tyrod Taylor being the man in Buffalo, Taylor silenced any of his doubters with his performance on Saturday night. Going seven-for-ten passing the football, Taylor threw for 132-yards which included a 13-yard touchdown pass to running back LeSean McCoy.

Signing a new contract extension with the Buffalo Bills a couple of weeks ago, Taylor proved during this game that he is the team’s franchise quarterback. Building off the game, hopefully Taylor will be able to continue playing at a high level and lead the Bills into playoff contention this season.

READ MORE: Things we know this week about the Buffalo Bills

Losers

1. Jordan Gay

The third-year NFL kicker is attempting to knock off current Bills starter Dan Carpenter. However, despite being given the chance at handling all the kicking duties against the Giants, Gay probably did more harm than good as far as his chances of winning the kicking job go.

Missing his only field goal attempt of the night — a 37-yard attempt which he kicked off of the uprights — Gay was also subpar in the extra point game going one-for-two. If Gay has any chance still of unseating Dan Carpenter, he will have to be absolutely outstanding over the last few weeks of the preseason.

2. Mike Gillislee

Despite the fact that the Buffalo Bills released Karlos Williams just prior to the second preseason game, Mike Gillislee’s stock has taken a beating thus far this preseason. With the addition of Reggie Bush and Jonathan Williams performing at a solid level, Gillislee’s poor performances could potentially cost him in the long run.

While falling down the depth chart may be the least of Gillislee’s worries at this point. I would go as far to say that Gillislee could be in danger of even missing out on a roster spot this season.

3. Nick O’Leary and Blake Annen

Both tight ends failed to impress at all during Saturday night’s game against the Giants. Add into it that neither managed to impress during the previous week’s action and could be in great danger of missing out on roster spots this season with the Buffalo Bills.

READ MORE: Jonathan Williams given a major oppertunity

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