On Film: Fitz did plenty of locking on in first game

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Buffalo Bills' offense thrives on quick, decisive passes from quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. That's coach Chan Gailey's system.

However, when the first read isn't available for a reception, Fitzpatrick needs to effectively get to the next level of his progression. He seemed to struggle with that in the team's preseason bout with the Washington Redskins Thursday.

It was only August exhibition play, and his protection wasn't the greatest, so take it for what it's worth.

Fitzpatrick completed six of 14 passes for 61 yards. He also had a touchdown called back due to an illegal formation.

Nine of Fitzpatrick's 14 attempts were undoubtedly thrown to his first read, as his head was locked in that direction.

Three other attempts appeared to be on his first read, but there was another receiver in the direct vicinity, so we'll give him the benefit of the doubt there. Still, on none of the throws did he go from one side of the field to the other.

Fitzpatrick clearly went to his second read on his third throw and fourth drop back, as there was a definite shift of his attention in terms of head movement.

The other attempt of the 16 was thrown directly in between two receivers, so it's hard to tell who he was going to. But again, they were on the same side of the field, so he more or less blocked off the opposite side of the field.

As I said, a lot of this has to do with Buffalo's emphasis on getting the ball out quickly. But Fitzpatrick needs to have enough confidence in his offensive line to take the extra second and find the open guy if his primary target is covered, or he needs to deliver a more accurate ball.

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