Football Diner 2008 Team Reviews / Previews
Buffalo Bills
by Michael E Lawrence
12/6/2008
 
Overview
 
The Buffalo Bills were once the watchword for AFC dominance behind the touchdown triumvirate of Jim Kelly, Thurman Thomas and Andre Reed. Sure they lost Super Bowls as often as the Diner loses its house keys, but in the American Football Conference at least, they were the undisputed kings. Those glory days soon receded along with Jim Kelly's hair, but 15 years on, and hope once again reigns supreme in Buffalo, New York. Apart from rumblings of a move to the larger-market city Toronto, coaching re-tread Dick Jauron marshals a squad with young offensive talent in WR Lee Evans, RB Marshawn Lynch and LT Jason Peters, and an overhauled defense resting its hopes on the substantial gut of DT Marcus Stroud and rookie CB Leodis McKelvin. But the Bills' 2008 season will sink or swim on the arm of sophomore quarterback Trent Edwards. If he can build on a promising rookie campaign, Buffalo could be in contention for a wild card spot or more. If not, the Bills will be middle of the pack once again.
 
Quarterbacks
 
Edwards supplanted former first round pick JP Losman in '07, winning five starts and taking over as franchise quarterback in waiting. He didn't win many games by himself, more often playing a caretaker role, but opened eyes with his poise and decision making against superior opponents such as Dallas. He'll need to work Lee Evans into the game more, but the reins should be off in his second year. Losman, longing to be traded, will stay as a backup, and may yet see the field if Edwards falters. The Bills hope that doesn't happen.
Grade: C
 
Running Backs
 
With Willis McGahee out of the way, rookie Marshawn Lynch was everything the Bills expected and more, running tough, displaying wiggle and avoiding the kind of off-field havoc McGahee was wont to stir up. That is until this week, when Lynch's name was linked to a hit and run accident, leaving Buffalo's front office preying the storm will blow over. All being well, he's expected to be even more of a factor in the passing game in '08. The team also unearthed rough diamond Fred Jackson, who filled in capably for Lynch and also showed some juice in the passing game. FB Darian Barnes is on hand to clear the way for the halfbacks.
Grade: B+
 
Receivers
 
Teeny Lee Evans is an underrated talent whose 80+ catch, 1300+ yard season in 2007 was downsized into a 55 catch, 849 yard effort in 2008. Consistent quarterback play should get Evans back on track, if not to the Pro Bowl. Also helping should be the arrival of 6'6” rookie James Hardy, though he does carry some character questions. If he can mature, Hardy represents a red zone option in the Plaxico Burress mould, though expectations have to be tempered for first year receivers. With Peerless Price off the roster no-frills Josh Reed will share time with blink-quick Roscoe Parrish in the slot. Tight end, with Robert Royal pencilled in as starter, is nothing to write home about.
Grade: C+
 
Offensive Line
 
The Bills spent freely in the 2007 off-season, and while OT Langston Walker and OG Derrick Dockery were overpaid, there's little doubt the Bills' line improved, allowing only 26 sacks and gouging lanes for Lynch and Jackson. The star of the show is LT Jason Peters, who is rounding into shape as one of the league's very best blindside protectors. Interior players OC Melvin Fowler and OG Brad Butler don't excite, but overall the unit should continue to improve in 2008.
Grade: B
 
Defensive Line
 
If Edwards' play is the primary factor for the Bills this season, the impact of Stroud in the middle of the line won't be far behind. After a woeful performance in '07 (ranking 31st overall) Buffalo's defense is counting on Stroud to return to the form he showed in Jacksonville, by clogging up running lanes and preventing quarterbacks from picking on a dicey secondary alongside former first round pick John McCargo and free agent Spencer Johnson. DE Aaron Schobel didn't play quite as well as usual last year, but should continue to from a solid trio with Ryan Denney and Chris Kelsay on the right.
Grade: B
 
Linebackers
 
A decent group should be bolstered by the return of MLB Paul Posluszny, who was lost for the year in week three. With 'Poz' doing his best Shane Conlan impersonation, free agent Kawika Mitchell and underrated Angelo Crowell should be free to make plays on the outside. Reserve John DiGiorgio surprised as an injury replacement and Keith Ellison is capable too.
Grade: B+
 
Secondary
 
In a division featuring Randy Moss the Bills made no bones about CB being their primary need in April, with Troy's Leodis McKelvin tabbed in the first round and instantly inserted into the starting lineup. McKelvin will play opposite up-and-down Terrence McGee, while Jabari Greer becomes the third corner. Free agent pickup Will James should also see plenty of game time. At safety Buffalo likes its young duo of Ko Simpson and former first round surprise Donte Whitner.
Grade: B-
 
Special Teams
 
Rian Lindell is as solid as they come on field goals, and is a rare kicker who has actually increased his range as his career has proceeded. P Brian Moorman is also consistent, while McGee and Parrish are electric kick and punt returners respectively. McKelvin may also get a chance to run some kicks back.
Grade: B+
 
Coaching
 
Jauron was considered a better coach than he'd been given credit for when the Bills hired him two seasons ago, having created something from nothing with a middling Chicago roster years before. He's proved retired GM Marv Levy correct so far, but now it's time for his young Buffalo team to take the next step. Jauron has the smarts and the experience to make it happen.
Grade: B
 
Outlook
 
Since Kelly and Co. turned losing Championships into an art form, Buffalo fans have longed for Rob Johnson, Doug Flutie and Losman to metamorphose into the next superstar at quarterback. While Flutie came close, Kelly's shoes have never been filled. Now it's Edwards's turn. Still, he threw only 269 passes last year and has a lot to learn as a weekly starter and game winner in his own right. Expect some bumps along the way, with some Losman cameos here and there. The Bills will take a step forward and even post a winning record, but it might not be quite enough to join the post-season party unless Edwards really comes on.