2011 NFL Preview: Buffalo Bills
By Editorial Staff
Buffalo Bills
Front Office
Owner: Ralph C. Wilson Jr.
GM: Buddy Nix
C: Ralph Wilson has not been able to field a playoff team in many years…longer than the Detroit Lions. He is lucky for his dedicated fan base. Buddy Nix has done some nice things but has not been able to fix the OL, obtain pass rushers, or most importantly get a Franchise QB. Plus he is like almost 80…who hires an upper 70 year old GM…same people who voted for McCain I guess.
Coaching Staff
HC: Chan Gailey
OC: Curtis Modkins
DC: George Edwards
C+: Though they only won 4 games…I believe this isn’t a totally inept coaching staff. Without elite talent they stayed competitive in almost every game. Gailey and Modkins made this offense perform far above their talent level. Also, when the 3-4 scheme was not working Edwards put implemented more 4-3 lineups. Adjusting to their talent and not their scheme is a sign of a decent coach. Results will need to be better in year 2.
QB: C
Trent Edwards was given another chance and thankfully Gailey put him out of his misery. His replacement, Ryan Fitzpatrick, made this team competitive. He will be able to do it again this year, but I don’t think he has the ability to be more than that. While they could do worse, it is about time this franchise found an adequate replacement for Jim Kelly.
RB: B
The Buffalo Bills keep trying to replace Fred Jackson but he keeps putting down the competition. He is a rock. Big, strong, decently fast, and is a great blocker/receiver. He is a stable back who is complemented by CJ Spiller. Though Spiller was unable to make a dynamic impact in year 1 he has the ability to do so. They drafted Johnny White from NC in round 5…was listening to music by his cousin at the time and got to see the special moment of a family’s happiness…he will give them solid depth.
WR/TE C
Steve Johnson came from nowhere last year and helped this unit immensely. Let’s see if he can do it again this year though. Lee Evans future is unclear. He is getting older and has not performed the last two years. Evans has a high salary cap number and might be replaced. Roscoe Parrish is an excellent returner and slot WR. Parrish was a favorite of Gailey. The problem this unit has is there is no talent at TE. This hurts them in third down and red zone situations.
OL: C+
This team believes in Demetrius Bell. He has talent but is incredibly inconsistent and has been plagued by injuries. Andy Levitre and Eric Woods are excellent young OG and surround a rock solid Center in Geoff Hangartner. Kraig Urbik will battle to be the starting RG that would move Woods to center. They are praying that 4th round Chris Hairston will finally fill the hole at RT. He will battle former Denver RT Erik Pears.
DL: B
This unit has been remodeled since Nix took over. Drafting Alex Carrington, Torell Troup, and Marcell Dareus have improved this defense. Also the emergence of Kyle Williams has made this unit actually an up and coming group.
LB: C-
Tale of two cities. Inside with Paul Posluszny and Kelvin Sheppard should be rock solid. Outside with a steroid less Merriman and an out of place Chris Kelsay is a huge weakness. They need to develop some pass rushers in this group if they are to be successful.
DB: B-
I believe Jairus Byrd will rebound and get 4-6 interceptions. He also needs to improve vs. the run. At SS there is going to be a battle between Da’Norris Searcy (recently drafted), Donte Whitner (if resigned), and George Wilson. At CB they are hoping for more stability in Leodis McKlevin. Terrence McGee and Aaron Williams will battle for the other spot.
Last Draft
I loved the pick of Marcell Dareus. He gives them someone to build a defense around. I am not a huge fan of Aaron Williams due to his inconsistency and the belief he will need to be moved to safety. I liked Kelvin Sheppard, Chris Hairston, and Donte Searcy since they could be starting in the near future. Overall an okay draft. C+
Offensive/Defensive Sleepers
CJ Spiller will not continually disappoint the Bills. Though I believe Fred Jackson will still be a big part in the offense, this will be Spiller’s coming out party. I would expect around 800 yards rushing and 500 yards receiving. He will also bring some pep in the return game.
On defense, I expect Alex Carrington to improve a lot this year. He will be solid vs. the run and be able to get 4-5 sacks.
Predictions for the Season
This is a slowly improving franchise. However, questions on the OL, a lack of pass rushing LB’s, an average QB, and a tough division will lead this team to be a 5-11 record.