The Bills' offense has looked effective the past week running screen passes. That's not a play the Bills executed especially

well the past few seasons.

"I've been surprised at how fast it's developed for us," said quarterback Trent Edwards.

"Usually, these first couple practices, the screen game really isn't there. It takes some time

to get the timing down, but I feel like our offensive line is doing a good job of getting out

there.

"We're setting up the screen game really well with our running and passing game, and I'm

really happy with the way it's going right now. ... It's a lot easier on me. It's easy yards

that I can get in the passing game and it's easy first downs. It keeps defenses guessing and

that's what's nice about it."

Edwards hit Marshawn Lynch for a big gainer on a well-executed screen to beat pressure

last Thursday night. Fred Jackson, Dominic Rhodes and Bruce Hall all have been recipients of

good-looking screen plays in the past week. One benefit of the play is it can serve to slow

the rush of defensive ends against certain looks.

"Absolutely," Edwards said. "Running the no-huddle style offense it's, again, keeping

guys off balance. It's another thing to add to the repertoire, and it's another weapon of

getting the ball in Fred and Marshawn and Dominic's hands, too."

Lynch not surprised

Bills running back Marshawn Lynch said he was not surprised the NFL upheld his three-game

suspension:

"No, not at all," he said. "You've got to face the consequences. That's what it is so I've

got to ride with it."

"It's a hard thing sitting out a game when you're not hurt," Lynch said. "That ain't a

position I want to be in. I love being out there too much to ever want to put myself in a

position like this where I can't strap up on Sunday."

Lynch said his preparation

won't change. "If you watch practice I'm still going to show up every day and put in my 100

percent like I always do and continue to ride my boys to make sure they still bring their 100

percent as well."

Butler sits out

Right tackle Brad Butler did not participate in Tuesday night's practice. He injured his lower

back Monday. Demetrius Bell took Butler's spot with the starting unit.

"He's doing better," coach Dick Jauron said. "He was in the training room icing his back,

and it's pretty stiff. It's pretty sore. But again, [head trainer Bud Carpenter] does not feel

like it's a long-term issue."

Rookies Eric Wood and Andy Levitre again took all their snaps with the starters at right and

left guard, respectively. Cornerback Leodis McKelvin (quad) sat out.

Sideline views

Another full house of roughly 4,000 at St. John Fisher watched the night practice. Hall of

Famer Jim Kelly was on the sidelines.

Cornerback Ashton Youboty had two interceptions. ... Linebacker Paul Posluszny got the

night off to an up-tempo start with a big smack on Bell on the first running play. ... Edwards

hit Derek Schouman over the middle for a TD in red-zone work. ... Rian Lindell hit field goals

from 48 and 51 yards. ... John Wendling blocked a 50-yard try.

T.O. Today

Second-year receiver James Hardy, who is rehabilitating from a knee injury, is asking Terrell

Owens for plenty of tips about being an NFL receiver. Owens said he's happy to offer

information.

"I was that guy 13 or 14 years ago, being drafted as a rookie in 1996, playing with

greats like J.J. Stokes, Jerry Rice, Nate Singleton," Owens said. "I can see myself in James

and what he is doing as far as trying to pick my brain."

Directions

From Buffalo take the Thruway to Exit 47. Take Route 490 East for 25 miles to Exit 25

(Fairport Road — 31F). Follow signs to fan parking and shuttle bus lots.

Schedule

The team works 1 to 3:05 p.m. today, 7 to 9:05 p.m. Thursday (tickets are sold out for that

night practice) and 2:25 to 4:20 p.m. Friday. Tickets for the final night practice Aug. 17 can

be obtained starting Friday at the Budweiser retail location at 1100 Southwestern Blvd. in

West Seneca.

The American Red Cross Donor Van is set up in the parking lot near the merchandise tent on

many practice days.

Quote of the Day

"Lee is real fast. If you miss him, you don't see anything but the back of his jersey."

— Cornerback Terrence McGee on covering Lee Evans.