Ryan Fitzpatrick

The Buffalo Bills let quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick run a wide-open passing attack Thursday night, but it didn’t get much done.

The Bills passed on all 16 of their offensive plays in the first quarter of the exhibition opener against the Washington Redskins. All the throws — over the course of four possessions — produced just two first downs, and the Bills’ starters were outscored by the Redskins’ starters, 7-3.

Fitzpatrick operated out of a no-huddle offense and called his own plays during the opening 15 minutes.

The Bills’ quarterback opted for the air game due to the fact the Redskins stayed in their 3-4 defense, even though the Bills spread out with four or five men in receiver positions on every play. The Bills used an empty backfield on about half their plays in the quarter.

The Bills at one of the best rushing attacks in 2011, so we question the wisdom of passing this much. Both Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller were non-factors.