Recapping the Buffalo Bills Final Preseason Game of 2024

After not playing the starters in the preseason finale, the Buffalo Bills fell to the Panthers, 31-26, at Highmark Stadium. 

But, there’s still plenty of good stuff to talk about from Saturday — so let’s get into it.

I won’t lie, I was a little worried that neither Mitch Trubisky, Shane Buechele or Ben DiNucci had thrown a touchdown pass in the first two games, as there should be some confidence in your backup quarterbacks.

Luckily, DiNucci knew that (kidding, of course) and connected with Darrynton Evans on an 18-yard pass to cap a 6-play, 61-yard drive with 5:53 until half time — the first Buffalo touchdown of the 2024 season. 

"He just looks like he's in command," said head coach Sean McDermott regarding DiNucci. "Not phased by anything. It wasn't too big and played smart football."

DiNucci finished the game 11-of-15 with 76 yards.

Frank Gore Jr., an un drafted free agent trying to earn a roster spot on his father’s former team, found himself in the end zone after a 5-yard run to trail 25-19 with 2:30 left in the third quarter. 

"I wanted to score so bad, so I just stuck my foot and whoever was in the way, just lowered my head," said Gore Jr.

Gore Jr. also had a 17-yard run that got the Bills into the Panthers’ territory on their first touchdown drive. He finished the game with 101 yards on 18 carries — his first 100-yard game. The Bills may be set at running back, but I think he at least finds himself on the practice squad.

The team went for two after both touchdowns and successfully converted. DiNucci found Tre McKitty for the first two-point conversion and then QB Anthony Brown Jr. connected with Xavier Johnson for the two-point conversion after Gore’s touchdown.

In Brown’s debut with Buffalo he was 11-of-12 with 102 yards and led the team on two touchdown drives. 

KJ Hamler had a one-yard touchdown run with less than two minutes in the game, and Tyler Bass’ kick was good. 

But the Bills lost, so now let’s get into some of the bad stuff.

The preseason injury bug hit Buffalo hard this year. As if the injury list wasn’t long enough, now there’s a few more names to add to the list post-Panthers game.

Gore Jr. and safety Dee Delaney exited the game early with knee injuries and were sent to the x-ray room. Darrynton Evans left the game in the third quarter with a hamstring injury. McDermott has not yet provided an update about the injuries.

After reportedly struggling with kicks at practice, Tyler Bass ruined his perfect preseason streak. He entered the game 5-of-5 and made it 6-of-6 until he missed a 51-yard field goal wide right. It was sunny with very little wind, so weather was not a factor.

“Those are the ones he’s got to make. He knows that. Looked like it faded a little bit to the right. That’s a kick he’s gonna practice a million times this week,” said McDermott. 

However, McDermott has expressed confidence in Bass.