Buffalo Team Preview

If there was a team that epitomized the argument that a QB can make or break a team it would be Buffalo. With the roster currently composing of Ryan Fitzpatrick, Trent Edwards, and Brian Brohm all fighting for the starting spot, no matter who wins, their play will not be of any benefit to the team. There are several bright spots on the Bills roster this year that include rookie running back C.J. Spiller and receiver Lee Evans, who both offer game changing abilities. In Spillers case he will be battling veterans Marshawn Lynch and Fred Jackson for carries. With a lack of ability at QB expect to see all of these players garner 12-15 carriers a game as Buffalo will live and die on the legs of their running backs. An added benefit to Spiller and Lynch are their abilities to catch balls out of the backfield, and will be looked upon as safety blankets often. At receiver Evans is by far the best on the team. His breakaway speed and agility give the Bills a deep threat weapon, however the question remains on how much they will be able to throw to him. Other receivers of note are James Hardy who is coming of an injury, yet offers promise as a tall possession receiver. After Hardy, the drop off is noticeable as 3rd stinger Roscoe Parrish has not lived up to his potential and others on the team will not get the looks due to a poor passing attack. The line for the Bills isn’t as impressive as it has been in years past. Guards Eric Wood and Andy Levitre are young and talented; however question marks exist at both tackle spots where uncertainty will cause problems from day one.

The defensive unit of the Bills shows greater talent and depth than the offense, and will have to step up often if Buffalo is to improve on their win totals from last year. Starting on the defensive line, Marcus Stroud is a stout run stopper and pass rusher who has the height to bat down passes. At nose tackle Kyle Williams will provide the needed cog in the Bills 3-4 system which should prove effective considering the personnel. A big question mark for the unit is if Aaron Schobel returns for another season, which would improve the line greatly. At linebacker the Bills see a plethora of youth and talent in Paul Posluszny, Kawika Mitchell, and Aaron Maybin. Along with that the veteran leadership of Andra Davis allows for Buffalo to blitz heavy and often with all possessing great tackling skills and the ability to track down ball carriers. The Buffalo secondary on paper looks good; however I am not sold on Donte Whitner or Leodis McKelvin as starters in the league. Safety Jarius Byrd leads the unit after posting a league leading 9 INT last year, and Terrance McGee is a capable cover corner. In any form the secondary shouldn’t hinder the team this season, yet will not make the impact that group offers.

For Buffalo in 2010 it should be another troubled season playing in the AFC East. With an absence of talent at QB and youth on the offensive line, the talented weapons they do have in the running backs and Evans will have problems living up to potential. The defensive unit will keep the team in many games as they are well built and have talent to keep games close. A determining factor in that is if the youth at linebacker can improve on last season’s ups and downs and provide a consistent pass rush. Look for 3-4 wins as a young team tries to survive a tough division and no defined leader.