Bills: What to keep an eye on against Vikings

The Buffalo Bills hope their second preseason game goes much better than their first. Here are some areas to focus on as the Bills take on the Vikings:

Offensive line cohesion: RT Erik Pears (hernia/groin) and C Eric Wood (knee) are expected to play, according to the team’s website. That comes as a bit of a surprise, considering Pears has been limited throughout training camp and Wood was not expected to return until Buffalo’s third preseason game. Last year, the offensive line was a pleasant surprise overall. With everyone back in the lineup, can it pick up where it left off?

Vince Young tries to keep momentum on his side: After a slow start to his career in Buffalo, QB Vince Young has made noticeable strides the past week or so. This week, it’s his turn to work with the second unit as the competition for the primary backup job continues. Tyler Thigpen, who is competing with Young, will work with the third unit. Each QB is expected to receive an equal amount of reps.

Strongside LB competition: Arthur Moats has become the favorite to land the starting strongside linebacker spot, but he remains in a competition with veteran Kirk Morrison. Moats is certainly a player to watch as the preseason progresses.

WR depth: The Bills are pretty much set with their top five receivers at this point with Stevie Johnson, Donald Jones, David Nelson, T.J. Graham and Derek Hagan. If the Bills decide to keep six receivers, Ruvell Martin, Marcus Easley and Naaman Roosevelt are all candidates to grab the sixth spot. Easley was the most touted prospect coming out of college and is a former fourth-round pick, but he may be running out of time and hasn’t stood out this preseason. Martin is ahead of Easley and Roosevelt on the depth chart.

More touches for Jackson and Spiller: It was only a preseason opener, but it was still a bit strange the Bills didn’t attempt a single rushing attempt when their starters were in the game against Washington. Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller likely won’t see a ton of time against Minnesota, but it’s expected that they’ll at least get some touches early.

For more updates on the Bills follow correspondent Mark Ludwiczak on Twitter @CBSSportsNFLBUF and @MarkLud12.