Observations from the Lions 17-6 win at Buffalo in the final preseason game ...

Matthew Stafford got the offense in a rhythm in a hurry. He was 5 of 9 for 81 yards with a few dropped balls. His 34-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson was called back due to a penalty. It would’ve been a beauty. He had two other impressive pass completions to Johnson on that opening drive. His poise defies his rookie status. Daunte Culpepper sat out with an injured toe. Did Stafford play his way into the starting role at New Orleans? He didn’t hurt his chances. ... Wide receiver Keary Colbert is likely to be looking for work this weekend. He fell on a route which allowed the Bills an easy interception from Stafford. Instead of catching a Brooks Bollinger pass in the end zone, he tipped the ball into the hands of a Buffalo defensive back. If Colbert had a chance after dropping three passes in the preseason opener, it’s likely gone. ... The offensive line played its second straight solid game. Or as Desmond Howard said it, they were playing in midseason form. ...Cornerback Chris Roberson was impressive with an interception and a recovered fumble. ... Quarterback Brooks Bollinger, who had just one full practice after signing on Monday night, was impressive especially on the 39-yard pass to Adam Jennings. ... Rookie linebacker Zack Follett (seventh round) again made some huge special teams tackles. ... Linebacker Jordon Dizon notched six tackles. ... Running back Tristan Davis is a speedster and showed it on his 80-yard touchdown run. ... The Lions are 3-1 in the preseason which is fine until you remember they were 4-0 in the preseason a year ago. -- PAULA PASCHE