"If there were any question about who is going to be the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, it should be put to rest now.

Trent Edwards probably cemented the job with another efficient performance in the Bills' 35-20 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals at Ralph Wilson Stadium Saturday night.

A Kids Day crowd of 57,867 was entertained by a Bills offense that seems to have smoothed over any rough edges from its poor showing in the preseason opener at Washington two weeks ago.

No one has exemplified the offensive improvement more than Edwards, who has rallied nicely from his poor outing against the Redskins.

Head coach Chan Gailey insists the quarterback job is an open competition, and wouldn't officially name a starter after the game. But does he really have to considering how well Edwards is playing?

In his third straight start, Edwards completed 13 of 17 passes for 153 yards and led three touchdown-scoring drives in six first-half possessions. He finished with a 122.9 rating.

"He's earned the right to be in the position he's in right now," Gailey said. "We're still evaluating everybody. As they continue to play, they continue to get better. If everybody continues to get better, it'll probably end up like it is. I still want to reserve the right to make an evaluation, though."

Rookie running back C.J. Spiller was dynamic again, running for 52 yards and a pair of touchdowns. But it was the Edwards-led air attack that allowed Spiller to flourish on the ground.

The Bills have scored five touchdowns in the last two games with Edwards under center."