Orchard Park, N.Y. — It's become cliche that every player looks good during organized team activities in the NFL. Buffalo Bills quarterback Matt Cassel bucked that trend Wednesday.

In the third practice of OTAs that was open to the media, Cassel spent much of his time with the first-team offense. He was consistently late on deep passes that nearly resulted in one interception and forced a throw into triple coverage that led to an interception. He salvaged a bit of respectability with two touchdowns during red-zone work, but for most of practice Cassel was off target.

EJ Manuel was the other quarterback who rotated in with the first-team offense, and he looked sharper than his veteran counterpart. Manuel did most of his damage in the middle of the field and on intermediate routes, but he seemed a bit more confident going through his progressions than Cassel.

Bills coach Rex Ryan said he doesn't expect to see anything in the next few weeks that will determine who the team's starting quarterback is and reiterated that he feels comfortable with the situation.

"I don't think we're gonna see anything in the new few days, through the mandatory camp, that will say, 'Hey, this guy is clearly our starter and all that,'" Ryan said. "That's not going to happen. We're gonna keep that competition going and at least give guys opportunities when it's tackle football."

Cassel has been considered the front runner in the three-man competition by most, but if practice Wednesday was any indication that may not last.

Here are five other observations from Bills' practice Wednesday.

1. Ronald Darby still fighting for reps

Even with Leodis McKelvin out of practice and Stephon Gilmore a bit limited Wednesday, Ronald Darby was still in a competition with Ron Brooks and Ross Cockrell for first-team reps at cornerback. Bills assistants have said Darby will likely be playing as an outside cornerback, but he's going to get the role he earns, and he has a tough training camp battle ahead.

2. Cyrus Kouandjio struggles

Cyrus Kouandjio again took all of the reps at right tackle with the first-team offense, but he didn't have his best practice Wednesday. The Bills still don't have pads on, so contact is limited on the offensive line, but Kounadjio still has some bad habits. He's in better physical shape than he was a year ago, but Kouandjio still tends to bend at the waist when blocking, and it cost him a few times Wednesday. Offensive coordinator Greg Roman and offensive line coach Aaron Kromer have both said the final test for Kouandjio will be when the pads come on.

3. Attendance report

The Bills had more absences than usual Wednesday. Running back Boobie Dixon, offensive tackle Seantrel Henderson, guard Chris Williams, safety Aaron Williams, cornerback Leodis McKelvin, wide receiver Percy Harvin tackle Tyson Chandler and safety Deon Broomfield were all not on the practice field. Ryan said there were no injuries to be concerned about with Dixon and Henderson. Chris Williams, meanwhile, is still recovering from back surgery, according to the Associated Press.

4. Ty Powell still earning praise

Ryan singled out linebacker Ty Powell as someone who has impressed throughout organized team activities. Ryan said Powell looks comfortable at inside linebacker, and linebackers coach Bobby April said earlier this offseason that Powell will compete for a starting job. Ryan added that Powell has intercepted four passes during OTA practices. The Bills won't have to worry much about depth at linebacker if Powell keeps it up.

5. Charles Clay still a big factor

If early practices are any indication, newly signed tight end Charles Clay is going to be a big factor in the offense. After a great practice last week, Clay was again the main target during red-zone work Wednesday. He has been dominant at the catch point and seems to be a favorite target of both quarterbacks.