Bills notebook
Youboty impressive in his surprise start
Terrence McGee’s ankle injury gave Ashton Youboty ample opportunity to make a favorable impression at cornerback.
With McGee scratched just before kickoff, Youboty started for the Buffalo Bills in their preseason opener against the Washington Redskins.
Youboty, who is battling several young cornerbacks for a spot on the roster, helped his cause Saturday.
Playing most of the game, Youboty had an interception late in the first half that set up the Bills’ only touchdown of the night. He also played well in pass coverage and registered eight tackles (seven solo), second on the team behind safety John Wendling.
“It was unexpected,” Youboty said of his starting nod. “It was a last minute decision by the coaches and I just went out there and did my thing like it was practice.”
Youboty has been having a good training camp, raising his level of play amid heavy competition. With McGee, Jabari Greer, Will James, first-round draft pick Leodis McKelvin and sometimes rookie Reggie Corner ahead of him on the depth chart, he needs a strong preseason to retain a roster spot.
More games like Saturday will convince the coaches he should stick around.
“I thought it was a good night for Ashton,” head coach Dick Jauron said. “It was good that we got to see him, and he showed up. He made his presence felt. That’s generally how he’s played. He has up-and-down plays, but when Ashton gets a chance to make a play, he usually makes it.”
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Starting right tackle Langston Walker made his Bills debut at left tackle, a position he hasn’t played since his early years with the Oakland Raiders. The move was made because of the holdout by Jason Peters.
“It was a little different, but after the first couple of plays I thought I settled into it pretty well,” he said.
Walker also got a chance to pass protect against Redskins defensive ends Jason Taylor, a former Miami Dolphin, and Andre Carter — who, like Walker, is a California alum.
“Andre Carter, I’ve basically seen him since college so it was just like old times with him,” Walker said. “Seeing Jason Taylor in red was a little different but he’s the same old Jason Taylor, which is a good rusher — fast guy, strong guy and a smart defensive player.”
While Walker played left tackle, Kirk Chambers started at right tackle. Two false start penalties (one each by Walker and Chambers when lined up against Taylor) contributed to stalled drives.
“The illegal procedures are just something that we’ve got to get under control and we will,” Jauron said.
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The Bills have a short upcoming week. They practice tonight (7 to 9 p. m.) and Tuesday (1 to 3 p. m.). The Bills “host” Pittsburgh on Thursday in Toronto.
