Over the past couple of weeks, Buffalo Bills veterans and youngsters alike have been praising the newfound confidence in starting quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Bolstered by the fact that he's entering a football season as the starter for the first time since his senior season at Harvard in 2004, guys like Reggie Torbor and David Nelson have noted Fitzpatrick stepping up to the plate as the team's leader.

Fitzpatrick appeared on WGR 550 earlier today with Joe Buscaglia, and addressed the idea that his confidence is more apparent heading into the 2011 season.

"I've always had that confidence about me. It's just a matter of, it's a lot different when you're the backup as (opposed to) when you're the starter," explained Fitzpatrick. "I've always had that confidence. I think I'm able to outwardly express that confidence at this point."

Nelson has repeatedly sung Fitzpatrick's praises this off-season, and the veteran quarterback threw some back at his second-year receiver.

"Last year, we had a lot of talented undrafted receivers, but he was the one in particular - how he didn't get drafted, I have no idea," said Fitzpatrick. "I think he can become one of those premier slot guys in the league, like Brandon Stokley was with the Colts, and really a red zone threat, which we saw at the end of last year."