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Edwards sharp as Bills edge Steelers north of the border

Aug 15, 2008 - 3:05 AM TORONTO (Ticker) -- The Buffalo Bills' venture north of the border went extremely well.

Trent Edwards threw touchdown passes in each of his two series and first-round pick Leodis McKelvin returned a kickoff for a TD as the Bills edged the Pittsburgh Steelers, 24-21, in Toronto on Thursday.

It was the first of an eight-game series (three preseason, five regular season) that runs through 2012 and makes the Bills the first NFL team to play annual regular-season games outside of the United States.

"It's a good atmosphere," Bills defensive end Chris Kelsay said. "The pep rally last night, the support we get from the fans up here has been phenomenal. It feels great to know we have fans all around the country and in Canada as well."

Edwards and company put on a show for the Canadian fans. The second-year starter looked sharp in his limited time, completing 9-of-11 passes for 104 yards. He connected with Robert Royal TD strikes of 7 and 13 yards.

"It was a little different because it is kind of a home game for us, but it is so close to Pittsburgh that a lot of the Pittsburgh fans drove or flew to the game," Royal said. "I think overall it is a pretty good atmosphere. It feels great. It is a beautiful dome. I think it is going to do well for the NFL."

"The atmosphere is pretty good," Bills safety Donte Whitner said. "We have to get the crowd a little more into it, and that happens with time. When the regular season comes it will be different because the first team will be out there the whole game. We are looking forward to it."

The 11th overall pick out of Troy, McKelvin broke off an electrifying 95-yard kickoff return in the third quarter.

Ben Roethlisberger also completed 9-of-11 passes for 142 yards with one touchdown and one interception for Pittsburgh. Rookie Rashard Mendenhall carried 11 times for 30 yards and scored from six yards out in the third quarter. Byron Leftwich, who was signed after backup Charlie Batch broke his collarbone, completed 5-of-11 passes for 41 yards.