Bills Comeback Attempt Falls Short

Before officially shifting into full regular-season mode, the Buffalo Bills had one final exhibition matchup to not only sharpen their skills, but also provide roster hopefuls the chance to make a case for a spot on their opening day squad.

Despite a standout performance from undrafted rookie running back Frank Gore, Jr. as well as the summer’s first touchdown connection between quarterback Ben DiNucci and running back Darrynton Evans, the Bills fell to the Carolina Panthers 31-26 at Highmark Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

Unfortunately, Buffalo’s advantage would be short lived. The Bills trailed the Panthers for much of the game. Carolina’s starting quarterback Bryce Young led his team 85 yards on 12 plays on the game’s opening drive, culminating in an eight-yard touchdown toss to receiver Jordan Matthews. Veteran quarterback Jack Plummer connected on 21-of-29 for 278 yards and two touchdowns leading quarterbacks on both teams in all passing categories.

Bills receiver K.J. Hamler rushed for a one-yard score with less than two minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, cutting Carolina’s lead to five points. However, the Bills ran out of time to complete their comeback efforts.

For the Bills, Gore put his dual-threat skill set on display while making a solid argument for earning a spot on the team’s 53-man roster. Gore compiled 101 rushing yards on 18 carries and one touchdown. Though he may be smaller than the average pro running back, his toughness, combined with above average instincts, is expected to make him an effective rusher in situational packages, as well as a solid backfield receiver.

While the Bills defense yielded 31 points to the Panthers in their final preseason tune-up, there were still some standouts on the preventive side of the ball. Veteran cornerback Te’Cory Couch compiled 10 total tackles, one sack and a quarterback hit. Linebacker Joe Andreessen, a native of Depew, NY and former University of Buffalo standout, earned eight tackles, as he continues to pursue his goal of playing for his hometown team this season.

With the Bills’ preseason slate completed, they will now turn their attention to the their regular-season opener against the Arizona Cardinals at 1 p.m. ET on Sept. 8 at Highmark Stadium.