Nall makes case for starting role on Buffalo Bills
by MATT KRUEGER Reporter

He had almost become the forgotten man in the race for Buffalo's starting quarterback position, but Craig Nall threw his hat into the ring with a strong performance Friday night.

Playing in the fourth quarter of Buffalo's 44-31 loss to the Cincinnati Bengals, Nall looked strong in two of his three series. Nall was 5 of 9 passing for 63 yards, including a 9-yard touchdown pass to fullback Alan Ricard.

After missing Buffalo's first preseason game with an injury and all of the 2005 season when he was with Green Bay, just getting back out on the field was a big step for Nall.

"It was a little nerve-wracking at first, getting back in the saddle, but we got that first drive out of the way and started to move the ball a little bit," he said. "It's been probably close to 12 months since I've actually played in a game. Then not getting a whole lot of practice over the last couple weeks, it was really fun to get out there and give it a shot."

In his first series, Nall did not look sharp, connecting on only one of four pass attempts. But he looked poised in the second series, capping off an 18-yard drive with a 9-yard dump-off pass to Ricard for the touchdown. Nall was 3 for 4 in his third series.

"I think I did pretty well," Nall said. "Hopefully, the coaches will say the same thing. Hopefully, I'll get a chance next week to play a little more, maybe get in with some of the first group."

Nall will get his wish this week when the Bills host the Cleveland Browns at 6 p.m. Saturday. After practice Monday, head coach Dick Jauron said J.P. Losman remains the front runner in the quarterback competition, but Nall will get a much larger role.

"We probably won't see much of Kelly (Holcomb) this week, because we need to see more of Craig," he said. "Between J.P. and Craig, they'll probably take most if not all of this game."

Nall added he feels healthy.

"After (Friday), that was pretty much a test as to whether or not I'm 100 percent," he said. "I think I passed."

e-mail: mkrueger@beenews.com