Trent Edwards looked outstanding on the first series that led to a field goal

The Buffalo Bills opened the preseason in the most uninspiring of fashions, losing to the Washington Redskins 42-17 on Friday night. Staff writer Bryan Sullivan gives his post-game report card, grading each position on its performance against the 'Skins. Be warned: It's not pretty.

Quarterbacks: Trent Edwards looked outstanding on the first series that led to a field goal (5-of-6 for 44 yards), but threw a terrible interception to DeAngleo Hall to set up Washington's second touchdown. Ryan Fitzpatrick looked solid, leading the team on a seven-play, 85-yard touchdown drive in the third quarter. Levi Brown looked like a seventh round draft pick. C-

Running Backs: Despite the disappointment of watching Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch leave due to injuries, this unit managed to be a bright spot. The Bills rushed for 146 yards, averaging more than eight yards per carry. Joique Bell's 28-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter highlighted their evening. B+

Wide Receivers: Rookie David Nelson led the way recording five Donte Whitner  receptions for 47 yards and caught a five-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter. Unfortunately, this unit struggled to generate many big plays on the evening. Nelson's 15-yard reception in the fourth quarter was the longest play of the game. C

Tight Ends: What happened to these guys? Jonathan Stupar's seven-yard reception on the Bills first drive of the game was the only catch by this unit on the evening. A quarterback didn't look their way after Stupar's reception. These guys have to improve, considering the team's injury problems at wide receiver. F

Offensive Line: These guys were the MVPs of Friday's game. They kept their quarterback upright, and led the way for the Bills' solid rushing attack. Jamon Meredith, Kirk Chambers and Cordaro Howard all played well in place of injured starters Demetrius Bell, Cornell Green and Eric Wood. A-

Defensive Line: John McCargo recorded a sack in the fourth quarter. That was probably the only time you heard a lineman's name called. Donovan McNabb and Rex Grossman didn't face too much pressure. The Redskins also finished with 140 yards rushing and won the time of possession battle by nearly 13 minutes. D-

Linebackers: With the team playing in a 3-4 for the first time this season, this unit failed to display their athleticism. A pair of players they are counting on heavily made a pair of critical mistakes, as Aaron Maybin committed a roughing the passer penalty on Washington's first drive and Andra Davis was flagged for illegal contact in the second quarter. D

Secondary: What was thought to be a strength at the training camp, looked anything but on Friday. Washington torched the Bills for 212 yards and three touchdowns in the air, with 140 coming from Rex Grossman. Reggie Corner particularly struggled taking Paul Posluszny  a terrible angle on Fred Davis' second quarter touchdown, and was beat by Devin Thomas on his 44-yard score in the third. D

Special Teams: Punter Brian Moorman gave his normal stellar effort (52.4 yards per punt on seven kicks) and Rian Lindell connected on a 38-yard field goal. They didn't receive much help from the coverage unit or returners as Washington's Brandon Banks broke off a 77-yard punt return touchdown in the third quarter. Ellis Lankster fumbled a punt return in the third quarter. C-

Coaching: Chan Gailey and the offensive coaches did a nice job of mixing up plays on the first drive, but the team failed to carry over the momentum for the rest of the game. They kept their promise of keeping the starters in until the second quarter, proving they understand this team needs to improve. C+