PITTSFORD, N.Y. (Aug. 14, 2006) -- Bills coach Dick Jauron said J.P. Losman has grabbed the lead in Buffalo's quarterback derby.

Jauron, speaking following the team's practice Aug. 14, said the third-year quarterback has nudged ahead of both Kelly Holcomb and Craig Nall based on Losman's and Holcomb's performances in the first preseason game against Carolina on Aug. 12.

"J.P. is the front-runner," Jauron said. "At this point, he'll get more of the reps in practice. It won't be 50-50 anymore."

The statement was the most definitive that Jauron has made throughout this quarterback competition.

Losman finished 15-of-24 for 144 yards in the preseason opener, predominantly against the Panthers' second- and third- stringers. He also received the majority of snaps in practice Aug. 14.

"I've been the lead guy before, but now there is no taking backsteps," Losman said. "I have to keep going forward."

Holcomb, who started the game, was just 2-of-4 for 16 yards and threw an interception that cornerback Ken Lucas returned for a touchdown. The Bills were also unable to get a first down on any of his four drives before being pulled in favor of Losman in the second quarter.

Losman has been the best of the three quarterbacks through the first two weeks of training camp, though Nall has been hampered by a hamstring injury.

Losman began last season as the starter, but lost the job to Holcomb after just four games.

"The guys want a quarterback in there that can get the job done," Losman said. "I want to come through for these guys."