With all the focus on whether Vince Young or Tyler Thigpen will win the backup job (with the loser likely being fired), it’s easy to overlook the question of whether the team’s first-team offense has improved.
Last year, the Bills started strong on that side of the ball. But injuries and ineffectiveness contributed to a decline of the offense -- and in turn the team -- down the stretch.
Starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick got 19 snaps on Friday night at Minnesota, with the No. 1 offense staying in after the Vikings moved to their second-string defense. Only 82 yards of offense were generated by the Bills’ starting offense, with 61 coming on a touchdown drive primarily against Minnesota reserves. Fitzpatrick capped the six-play effort with a 31-yard catch-and-run to receiver Donald Jones.
Running back Fred Jackson added 14 yards on three carries. C.J. Spiller had only one carry for negative-five yards.
The Vikings lead 16-7 at halftime.