patmoran2006
11-07-2008, 10:40 AM
We’re at the mid point of the 2008 NFL season, and for the Buffalo Bills, this without question has been one of their more bewildering campaigns in recent memory.
On one hand, the Bills are 5-3 and tied with the Jets and Patriots for the division lead; something they haven’t enjoyed this late in a season in a dozen years. They’re .500 on the road and pulled out three close games in the final minutes; more factors that have eluded them for quite some time.
On the other, this is a team still with no identity and no strength that stands out. They can’t run the ball to save their life. Their quarterback, an early MVP candidate, has become a turnover machine. The offensive line is woeful in run blocking and not much better when passing. They can’t even generate a consistent pass rush let alone get sacks. They’re minus-five in turnover ratio. The rookies have contributed next to nothing and eerily like last year, injuries are starting to pile up.
So what gives? Is this the team that became the media darling six weeks into the season? Or is this the same ole’ Bills that were the beneficiary of a soft early schedule and are on that familiar road to their ninth straight playoff-less campaign?
A look at what’s going right--- and wrong for the Bills at the mid point of the season.. MORE (http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/Pat_Moran/2008/11/07/Bills_Need_To_Step_Up_In_Second_Half)
On one hand, the Bills are 5-3 and tied with the Jets and Patriots for the division lead; something they haven’t enjoyed this late in a season in a dozen years. They’re .500 on the road and pulled out three close games in the final minutes; more factors that have eluded them for quite some time.
On the other, this is a team still with no identity and no strength that stands out. They can’t run the ball to save their life. Their quarterback, an early MVP candidate, has become a turnover machine. The offensive line is woeful in run blocking and not much better when passing. They can’t even generate a consistent pass rush let alone get sacks. They’re minus-five in turnover ratio. The rookies have contributed next to nothing and eerily like last year, injuries are starting to pile up.
So what gives? Is this the team that became the media darling six weeks into the season? Or is this the same ole’ Bills that were the beneficiary of a soft early schedule and are on that familiar road to their ninth straight playoff-less campaign?
A look at what’s going right--- and wrong for the Bills at the mid point of the season.. MORE (http://community.foxsports.com/blogs/Pat_Moran/2008/11/07/Bills_Need_To_Step_Up_In_Second_Half)