Buffalo Bills: Top threat to the New England Patriots in 2019?

The Buffalo Bills had a huge offseason and could be the top threat to the New England Patriots in the AFC East for the 2019 season.

The Buffalo Bills and the New York Jets are both rebuilding in similar ways to try to unseat the New England Patriots as AFC East champions. Both teams may still be (at least) a year away but for the 2019 season the Buffalo Bills are in a better position to win the AFC East crown.

The Bills and Jets both took quarterbacks in the top 10 of the 2018 NFL Draft. Sam Darnold went to the New York Jets third overall and Josh Allen was selected by the Buffalo Bills seventh overall.

With their franchise quarterbacks locked in, the Bills and Jets both went with a top defensive tackle in the 2019 NFL Draft.

Quinnen Williams, who some graded as the best player in the draft, went to the New York Jets third overall. Ed Oliver, who some have compared to Aaron Donald, fell into the Bills lap at nine overall. Both teams have accumulated strong young talent on both sides of the ball.

The Buffalo Bills and New York Jets took to free agency with one goal in mind: to build around their young franchise quarterbacks. This is where the Bills gained an edge on the Jets. While the Jets signed star players Le’Veon Bell and CJ Mosley, the Bills landed top center Mitch Morse.

The Jets focused on big name free agents before firing their GM Mike Maccagnan. A new GM and new head coach give the Bills an edge over the Jets because it will take time for new head coach Adam Gase to install new offensive and defensive schemes. And new GM Joe Douglas will not have a chance to start shaping a roster he sees fit until the season is over.

The Bills are in better position than the Jets because a few main reasons. The Bills have continuity around their roster and coaching. And they built the offensive trenches (line) to set their offense up for success. The Jets may have had nice additions but in the NFL you need these things for your team to be successful.

The Bills used free agency to give Josh Allen all the tools he will need to take the next leap in his development. A brand new offensive line with Mitch Morse leading the way in the middle. They also drafted Cody Ford, who most had a first round grade, in the 2nd round. They also brought in a plethora of veterans such as Ty Nsekhe, Quinton Spain, and Spencor Long. Josh should actually have time this year to go through his progressions rather than be forced to make magic happen outside of the pocket.

The Bills also gave him a new safety valve in the passing game with Cole Beasley. John Brown was also added to the mix of weapons. Brown was on pace to eclipse 1,000 yards with Joe Flacco at quarterback. It was not until the Ravens switched to Lamar Jackson and a run oriented offense that Brown’s year hit a snag.

With training camp around the corner the Buffalo Bills have the most capable roster to unseat the New England Patriots in the AFC East. The Bills’ only major loss came with Kyle Williams retirement but Jordan Phillips and Ed Oliver will be there to step in and pressure opposing quarterbacks.

The Bills will be entering their third year with the same defensive scheme and look to be a top defensive unit again. The defense should get help with the offense looking to take a step in the right direction with second year coordinator Brian Daboll.

Running backs LeSean McCoy and Frank Gore should have holes to run through with the revamped offensive line. Everything seems to be in place for the Bills to take a leap and enter the conversation as regular playoff contenders.

This may not be as obvious to outsiders since the Bills did not make big name moves, but they did make very smart moves by building the trenches and giving their young QB tools to be successful.

It may not be enough to actually take the AFC East crown this year, but it will definitely be their best chance in years. It will more than likely hinge on Josh Allen’s development and the defense’s ability to force turnovers. With the NFL always changing, this may be the year the Bills are finally back atop the AFC East. Is it September yet?