Buffalo Bills Season Preview

Buffalo Drafted Marcel Dareus Can he help Buffalo as a rookie?

Quarterback Outlook: Ryan Fitzpatrick is Buffalo’s starter.  Fitzpatrick threw for 3,000 passing yards, 23 passing touchdowns, and 15 interceptions for Buffalo last season.  The Bills brought in Miami 3rd stringer Tyler Thigpen to be a backup.  2010 draft pick Levi Brown will continue to develop as a backup in Buffalo.  Fitzpatrick is serviceable for now, but he is not a long term upgrade in Buffalo.

Running Back Outlook: Fred Jackson and CJ Spiller will continue to be a 1 2 punch in Buffalo’s backfield.  With a lack of offensive firepower it is critical for the Bills to have a balanced offense.

Fred Jackson had 222 carries for 927 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns.  Jackson had a decent season considering the fact that Buffalo’s offense struggled at numerous times last season.  Buffalo only finished 4-12 last season.  Jackson had 3 games where he executed a minimum of 21 carries for over 100 rushing yards last season.  Buffalo was 3-0 during those contests.  Jackson can help Buffalo win if he gets 20+ touches and over 100 rushing yards for the Bills.

2010 First Round Draft pick CJ Spiller was drafted 9th overall in 2010.  A repeat performance of Spiller’s 74 carries for 283 rushing yards cannot be repeated in Buffalo this season.

Wide Receiver Outlook: Stevie Johnson really emerged as a wide receiver target for the Bills last season.  Lee Evans is a quality #2 wide receiver.  Buffalo has two wide receivers who can stretch the passing game when both receivers are healthy.

Offensive Line Outlook: The Buffalo Bills really need a left tackle.  Demetrius Bell is not the answer.  Buffalo has Andy Levitre, Geoff Hangartner, Eric Wood, and rookie Chris Hairston who should do well at right tackle.  Buffalo’s offensive line will take huge steps forward with a left tackle in 2012.

Defensive Line Outlook: The Buffalo Bills have tons of 3-4 depth on the defensive line.  At nose tackle Buffalo has Kyle Williams starting and Torell Troup as a backup.  At 3-4 right end Dwan Edwards as a starter and Spencer Johnson for depth as a backup.  At 3-4 left end Buffalo has Marcel Dareus who they drafted 3rd overall.  Alex Carrington is the 3-4 left end that will rotate in for Marcel Dareus.

Linebacker Outlook: Buffalo has Nick Barnett and Andre Davis anchoring the 3-4 middle linebacker spots.  Shawn Merriman and Chris Kelsay are the 3-4 pass rushers for the Buffalo Bills starting at the 3-4 outside linebacker spots.  Besides Barnett all the other linebackers are upgradeable.  For now these 4 linebackers will start for Buffalo.

Secondary Outlook: Buffalo has a secondary with Terrence McGee, Leodis McKelvin, Drayton Florence, and Aaron Williams as the key cornerbacks.  Strong Safety George Wilson and free safety Jarius Byrd.

Prediction 5-11: Strong team chemistry and building through the draft keeps Buffalo from finishing in last place.  I am not sold on Chad Henne or Matt Moore in Miami.  Buffalo has one quarterback while Miami has two quarterbacks.  When you have two quarterbacks you have no quarterback.