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Nothing groundbreaking but I'd agree - interesting to see some advanced metrics show that we had the 4th best defense in the NFL.
Buffalo Bills: Offensive tackle
For a team coming off its ninth consecutive losing season, the Bills actually have a decent roster in place with no glaring holes. Key acquisitions on defense in the past few years have solidified that unit, which ranked No. 4 in DVOA at Football Outsiders. This leaves Buffalo in the familiar position of trying to replace Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly. Florida State's EJ Manuel was a first-round pick last year, but injuries really took away from his opportunity to impress in his initial campaign. Adding talent around the quarterback should be the top priority this offseason, but that does not have to be a big-name receiver. In the past two years, the Bills have drafted Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin and T.J. Graham in the first three rounds. With young receivers and a very good running back duo (C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson), the Bills would be better served to improve the trenches.
Coach Doug Marrone has specialized in the offensive line during his career, so he should have a good grasp on what went wrong in his rookie year on the Bills' sideline. No one ran the ball more in 2013 than Buffalo, with 546 runs, but the offense ranked only 14th in yards per carry (4.2) and 17th in DVOA. Run blocking was not a strength of the offensive line, especially to the outside, and right tackle Erik Pears in particular could be the player replaced in the draft by a top prospect like Greg Robinson (Auburn) or Jake Matthews (Texas A&M). Left tackle Cordy Glenn was a second-round pick in 2012, and his starting job should be safe, but he must play better. Buffalo had such little success when rushing outside last season that a league-high 71 percent of runs came up the middle or behind a guard.
Not only does Manuel need some insulation from a consistent running game, but he could use better protection so he does not have to scramble as much and risk more injuries. Buffalo's offensive line ranked 28th in adjusted sack rate (8.5 percent). Only 28 of the 48 sacks surrendered came with Manuel taking the snap, but if he's going to stay on the field and get better, then the blocking must improve.
Buffalo Bills: Offensive tackle
For a team coming off its ninth consecutive losing season, the Bills actually have a decent roster in place with no glaring holes. Key acquisitions on defense in the past few years have solidified that unit, which ranked No. 4 in DVOA at Football Outsiders. This leaves Buffalo in the familiar position of trying to replace Hall of Fame quarterback Jim Kelly. Florida State's EJ Manuel was a first-round pick last year, but injuries really took away from his opportunity to impress in his initial campaign. Adding talent around the quarterback should be the top priority this offseason, but that does not have to be a big-name receiver. In the past two years, the Bills have drafted Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin and T.J. Graham in the first three rounds. With young receivers and a very good running back duo (C.J. Spiller and Fred Jackson), the Bills would be better served to improve the trenches.
Coach Doug Marrone has specialized in the offensive line during his career, so he should have a good grasp on what went wrong in his rookie year on the Bills' sideline. No one ran the ball more in 2013 than Buffalo, with 546 runs, but the offense ranked only 14th in yards per carry (4.2) and 17th in DVOA. Run blocking was not a strength of the offensive line, especially to the outside, and right tackle Erik Pears in particular could be the player replaced in the draft by a top prospect like Greg Robinson (Auburn) or Jake Matthews (Texas A&M). Left tackle Cordy Glenn was a second-round pick in 2012, and his starting job should be safe, but he must play better. Buffalo had such little success when rushing outside last season that a league-high 71 percent of runs came up the middle or behind a guard.
Not only does Manuel need some insulation from a consistent running game, but he could use better protection so he does not have to scramble as much and risk more injuries. Buffalo's offensive line ranked 28th in adjusted sack rate (8.5 percent). Only 28 of the 48 sacks surrendered came with Manuel taking the snap, but if he's going to stay on the field and get better, then the blocking must improve.
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