The Buffalo Bills lost their preseason opener to the Washington Redskins, 7-6.
The new-look defense helped the Bills get off to a great start, forcing a three-and-out on the first series, then a turnover on the second series.
But the offense failed to capitalize. Ryan Fitzpatrick found Stevie Johnson for a 2-yard touchdown, but the score was nullified by an illegal formation penalty. The Bills would settle for a 43-yard field goal from Ryan Lindell, and a 3-0 lead.
That's when the Redskins rookie quarterback started to click. Heisman Trophy winner Robert Griffin III quickly drove his team down field, finding Pierre Garcon on a wide receiver screen, who then flipped over the goal line for a 20-yard touchdown. Griffin's first professional touchdown pass gave the Redskins a 7-3. Griffin finished 4-6 for 70 yards and a touchdown.
Fitzpatrick and the rest of the Bills struggled after that. The Bills quarterback finished 6-14 for 61 yards, no touchdowns, and no interceptions.
Penalties hurt the Bills throughout. Buffalo committed 14 penalties for 134 yards in the game.
Vince Young led the Bills with 37 rushing yards on five carries. Rookie wide receiver T.J. Graham led the way in the air, with three catches for 37 yards.
The Bills next preseason game is Friday, August 17th at Minnesota.
