Buffalo Bills News and Information
Posted 3/26/2009
The Buffalo Bills had a solid season in 2007 despite missing rookie running back Marshawn Lynch for much of the year, so they have hopes of being a playoff contender in 2008.
With the Bills, it will start and end with the quarterback position. It appears the team saw enough last year from rookie quarterback Trent Edwards to give him the starting nod over J.P. Losman, but Im sure both will see plenty of time throughout the season.
The quarterback, whoever it may be, wont have much help around him. Lee Evans is a solid wide receiver but a marginal go-to guy, and there isnt much around him. The team also lacks an elite tight end.
Speaking of Lynch, the running back could have a huge impact on the field this year if he can stay injury-free and maybe more importantly, out of trouble. Lynch has been charged with hit-and-run and has taken a plea agreement.
Lynch can consider himself extremely fortunate getting off with just a fine and avoiding any jail time, but Im sure NFL commissioner Roger Goodell will serve him a suspension for his problems off the field.
Still, Lynch has proven himself to be a complete back in his first year, showing a tremendous blend of speed and power that should make him a force in the league for years to come.
Back to issues on the field, and one that was a major problem for the Bills last year was their pass defense. Teams were able to throw all over the Bills, and they are going to need to tighten things up in the secondary if they want to make a push for a playoff spot.
The Bills did make a trade for Jacksonville Jaguars defensive tackle Marcus Stroud in the offseason, and if he can avoid injuries, he should really help to control the running game and occasionally pressure the quarterback.
Buffalo probably isnt a playoff team, especially playing in the far superior conference, but they could hang around in the postseason race until the last week or two of the season.