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Ladies & Gents:
Working on an article, where I'm evaluating the off-seasons for all 32 NFL teams. I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on the Buffalo Bills
Thoughts?
8. Buffalo Bills
How Buffalo Improved: From the top of the organization onto the field,
the Buffalo Bills are doing everything feasible to make 2005's gloomy
5-11 season as well as the Tom Donahoe era ancient history. Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy is back, this time as the general manager. New head coach Dick Jauron was brought in as well as a new offensive (Steve Fairchild) and defensive coordinator (Perry Fewell). The Bills are converting to a cover two defense and look to get more athletic all around. Defensive tackle Larry Tripplett (Colts) should mold very well into the new scheme. The offensive line has been a sore point for several seasons so center Melvin Fowler (Vikings) and guard Tutan Reyes (Panthers) hope in improve the interior.
Robert Royal (Redskins) is an excellent run blocking tight end. Peerless Price, who caught 94 passes with the Bills in 2002 was brought back and the club signed speedy but oft-injured receiver Andre Davis. Anthony Thomas is an upgrade as a back up running back to Willis McGahee.
Why Buffalo Is Worse Off: Despite his advanced age and poor attitude
with the Bills last year, it will be exceptionally hard to replace the
production Eric Moulds has given the Bills over the past 10 seasons.
Moulds fled to Houston and takes 70-80 receptions along with him. Sam
Adams was the club's only proven run stuffer and was cut, allowing him
to sign with Cincinnati. Lawyer Milloy (Atlanta) has clearly lost a
step at safety, but he is still a big-time hitter capable of turning a
game around with a big play. The club gave up on 2002 fourth overall
pick Mike Williams, allowing the underachieving tackle to sign with
Jacksonville. A fresh start my jumpstart his rapidly bust-like career.
Fresh Meat: To quote Chris Berman, the Bills threw some curve balls on
draft day. Everyone and their mother expected the Bills to take a
defensive tackle or trade down with the eight pick, so it was a shock
when the club selected safety Donte Whitner. Though many mock experts
considered him a reach in the top ten, Whitner is an ideal cover two
safety who'll remind many of Milloy during his days with the Patriots.
Buffalo then traded up to No. 26 in the first round to take defensive
tackle John McCargo. Again, many measure the pick a reach but Buffalo is
desperate for quick linemen. Interestingly, McCargo was the third
tackle taken in the first round and the fourth wasn't taken until 32
picks later. Cornerback Ashton Youboty was a steal in round three and
could start by 2007 once Nate Clements leaves for free agency. Ko
Simpson could be a gem in round four. He'll get the advantage of
learning from savvy veteran safety Troy Vincent.
Summary: The Bills pretty much stunk in 2005 and you can expect more of
the same this season. The difference is the team has gotten a lot
younger and flexible (as well as cheaper) across the board. It will take
beyond 2006 but the Bills are feverishly working to build a team that
can consistently contend in the AFC East. On a team that still has a
lot of holes, none are bigger than the quarterback position. J.P.
Losman was a first round pick in 2004 but it seems questionable if he will
win the job from journeyman Kelly Holcomb. The signing of quarterback
Craig Nall is baffling to many, not to mention the $1.3 million signing
bonus. Even with the imminent return of determined Pro Bowl linebacker
Takeo Spikes, expect the Bills to be major players in the Brady Quinn
sweepstakes.
Working on an article, where I'm evaluating the off-seasons for all 32 NFL teams. I thought I'd share with you my thoughts on the Buffalo Bills
Thoughts?
8. Buffalo Bills
How Buffalo Improved: From the top of the organization onto the field,
the Buffalo Bills are doing everything feasible to make 2005's gloomy
5-11 season as well as the Tom Donahoe era ancient history. Hall of Fame coach Marv Levy is back, this time as the general manager. New head coach Dick Jauron was brought in as well as a new offensive (Steve Fairchild) and defensive coordinator (Perry Fewell). The Bills are converting to a cover two defense and look to get more athletic all around. Defensive tackle Larry Tripplett (Colts) should mold very well into the new scheme. The offensive line has been a sore point for several seasons so center Melvin Fowler (Vikings) and guard Tutan Reyes (Panthers) hope in improve the interior.
Robert Royal (Redskins) is an excellent run blocking tight end. Peerless Price, who caught 94 passes with the Bills in 2002 was brought back and the club signed speedy but oft-injured receiver Andre Davis. Anthony Thomas is an upgrade as a back up running back to Willis McGahee.
Why Buffalo Is Worse Off: Despite his advanced age and poor attitude
with the Bills last year, it will be exceptionally hard to replace the
production Eric Moulds has given the Bills over the past 10 seasons.
Moulds fled to Houston and takes 70-80 receptions along with him. Sam
Adams was the club's only proven run stuffer and was cut, allowing him
to sign with Cincinnati. Lawyer Milloy (Atlanta) has clearly lost a
step at safety, but he is still a big-time hitter capable of turning a
game around with a big play. The club gave up on 2002 fourth overall
pick Mike Williams, allowing the underachieving tackle to sign with
Jacksonville. A fresh start my jumpstart his rapidly bust-like career.
Fresh Meat: To quote Chris Berman, the Bills threw some curve balls on
draft day. Everyone and their mother expected the Bills to take a
defensive tackle or trade down with the eight pick, so it was a shock
when the club selected safety Donte Whitner. Though many mock experts
considered him a reach in the top ten, Whitner is an ideal cover two
safety who'll remind many of Milloy during his days with the Patriots.
Buffalo then traded up to No. 26 in the first round to take defensive
tackle John McCargo. Again, many measure the pick a reach but Buffalo is
desperate for quick linemen. Interestingly, McCargo was the third
tackle taken in the first round and the fourth wasn't taken until 32
picks later. Cornerback Ashton Youboty was a steal in round three and
could start by 2007 once Nate Clements leaves for free agency. Ko
Simpson could be a gem in round four. He'll get the advantage of
learning from savvy veteran safety Troy Vincent.
Summary: The Bills pretty much stunk in 2005 and you can expect more of
the same this season. The difference is the team has gotten a lot
younger and flexible (as well as cheaper) across the board. It will take
beyond 2006 but the Bills are feverishly working to build a team that
can consistently contend in the AFC East. On a team that still has a
lot of holes, none are bigger than the quarterback position. J.P.
Losman was a first round pick in 2004 but it seems questionable if he will
win the job from journeyman Kelly Holcomb. The signing of quarterback
Craig Nall is baffling to many, not to mention the $1.3 million signing
bonus. Even with the imminent return of determined Pro Bowl linebacker
Takeo Spikes, expect the Bills to be major players in the Brady Quinn
sweepstakes.
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