Bills' quarterback still confident in his ability

On his third team in four seasons, Buffalo Bills quarterback Matt Cassel’s confidence remains unshaken in the 10-year veteran’s bid to finally establish himself as an NFL starter.

PITTSFORD >> On his third team in four seasons, Bills quarterback Matt Cassel’s confidence remains unshaken in the 10-year veteran’s bid to finally establish himself as an NFL starter.

“There’s always going to be critics out there,” the 33-year-old said. “And for me as a player, I think my best football’s ahead ofme.”

Cassel is getting that chance to prove it in Buffalo after being acquired in an offseason trade with Minnesota.

He has since gradually inched ahead in a threeway quarterback competition involving former Bills starter EJ Manuel and newly acquired Tyrod Taylor, who was Joe Flacco’s backup in Baltimore.

Though coach Rex Ryan insists he’s not close to making a determination, Cassel has taken themajority of snaps with the firststring offense through the first two weeks of training camp. And he’ll start in Buffalo’s preseason opener against Carolina on Friday.

“I’m excited about the opportunity to go out there and play, and be able to showcase what we’ve been working on,” Cassel said.

He was referring to an offense Bills new coordinator Greg Roman is installing, which will lean on the running game featuring newly acquired running back LeSean McCoy. The passing attack has also been revampedwith the offseason additions of receiver Percy Harvin and tight end Charles Clay.

The game will also be an important step for Cassel, who hasn’t played in a competitive setting since breaking his left foot inWeek 3 of last season.

“It’ll be really exciting because I know I worked tremendously hard to get back to this point,” he said. “And to also have another opportunity to be on the field, it’s always a blessing, and I don’t take it for granted.”

Cassel has put his foot injury behind him.

Though he’ll never be mistaken for fleet-footed NFL contemporaries such as Russell Wilson or Colin Kaepernick, Cassel showed off a semblance of mobility during a teamdrill in practice this week. Cassel faked a hand-off to the right, and took off alone to his left for what would’ve been a 20yard gain.

The play surprised the guest officials, who blew their whistles prematurely when the running back ran into a pile of defenders.

THE ASSOCIATED PRESS - FILE PHOTO Buffalo Bills quarterback Matt Cassel (16) takes part in drills during their NFL football training camp in Pittsford on Aug. 1, some 11months since breaking his right foot,