The Sports Xchange

EJ Manuel stated his case to be the Buffalo Bills’ starting quarterback with a strong performance in the Bills’ 43-19 victory over the Pittsburgh Steelers in a preseason game on Saturday in Orchard Park, N.Y.

Manuel made his first preseason start after Matt Cassel and Tyrod Taylor had their chances to start the first two preseason games.

Manuel was 7-for-8 for 170 yards and two touchdowns. He led the Bills to scores on their first two possessions, including a 67-yard touchdown pass to tight end Charles Clay on the Bills’ second drive.

Manuel returned to game in the third quarter and hit wide receiver Tobias Palmer on a 37-yard touchdown pass.

In three preseason games, Manuel is 20-for-30 for 355 and four touchdowns.

The other two Bills quarterbacks also played well Saturday, with Taylor going 12-for-13 for 122 yards and Cassel hitting six of his seven passes for 38 yards in his two series.

For the Steelers, the focus was on quarterback Michael Vick, who took over for starter Ben Roethlisberger in the first quarter.

Vick completed a 63-yard pass to wide receiver Martavis Bryant on his first play from scrimmage and finished 4-for-5 for 116 yards. He was sacked once in the two series he played.

The 35-year-old Vick, who was signed by the Steelers last Tuesday after backup quarterback Bruce Gradkowski suffered a season-ending hand injury, is competing Landry Jones for the backup spot behind Roethlisberger.

Steelers kicker Garrett Hartley left the game after suffering a right hamstring injury in the first quarter.