Bills’ Backup QB Shane Buechele Stars in Preseason Finale, Leads Buffalo to 23–19 Win

TAMPA, Fla. (AP) - Shane Buechele stepped up in the Buffalo Bills’ preseason finale on Saturday night. He threw for 278 yards and one touchdown, leading Buffalo to a 23–19 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

With MVP Josh Allen out and Baker Mayfield missing preseason for the first time, both teams relied on their depth. Buechele hit 25 of 30 passes against a mostly backup Tampa Bay defense. He impressed with a perfect 1-yard touchdown throw to running back Frank Gore Jr. on the first drive. Gore finished with 32 rushing yards and added two receptions for 29 yards to help Buffalo jump out to a 7–0 lead.

Buccaneers rookie safety Shilo Sanders was ejected in the second quarter. He threw a punch at Bills tight end Zach Davidson, giving Buffalo an edge in momentum. Buechele’s accuracy helped the Bills stay in front. He made crucial completions, like a perfect pass to Tyrell Shavers. That 11-yard touchdown pushed the lead to 14–3. Shavers’s one-handed grab over cornerback Bryce Hall may have solidified his spot on Buffalo’s 53-man roster.

Tampa Bay struck back late in the first half. Quarterback Kyle Trask threw a short touchdown pass, making it 14–10. In the third quarter, Buechele stepped up. He guided a long drive that ended with Gore scoring a touchdown. This brought the score to 23–13. Buccaneers rookie Connor Bazelak threw a late 1-yard touchdown pass to Garrett Greene. However, the rally came up short.

Head coach Sean McDermott praised Buechele’s calmness in the game. He said the former Missouri star “showed why he deserves a spot on this roster as a dependable backup quarterback.” Buffalo ends preseason with a 1–2 record. Now, they will focus on their regular-season opener at home against the Baltimore Ravens on September 7. Tampa Bay, finishing 2–1 in exhibition play, travels to face the Atlanta Falcons on the same date.