6-10 in 2009
The Buffalo Bills are a very interesting team coming into 2010. On paper I think they look like a very solid team. If you look closely they have only 2 glaring holes (and they are big ones) at the QB and offensive line position. The biggest problem with these deficiencies is the QB and O-line can make or break an otherwise solid team.
The Bills had 2 extremely capable running backs in 2009, and the addition of C.J. Spiller just makes their backfield even stronger. Who knows if Marshawn Lynch will still be there come week one but if he is those three will be a hand full for opposing defenses. Fred Jackson showed last year what kind of talent he is, and I could see the Bills utilizing Jackson and Spiller in many different formations to get them into open space. Both are above average receivers out of the backfield and can wreak havoc if given the chance. The WRs are not superb but can hold their own. With a more solid option at QB their play could even be elevated a notch. Than comes the likes of Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick, and Brian Brohm. None are overly impressive. Edwards and Fitzpatrick were extremely inconsistent last season so look for Brohm to push both for a chance to start this season. If the offensive line can keep whatever QB is under center on his feet the Bills offense can be a pretty good unit in 2010. (easier said than done though)
I like the Bills defense a lot this year. In 2009 they were an overachieving unit with young talent all over the field, who just flew around and made plays. Drafting Alex Carrington should provide some much needed depth, with Aaron Schobel and Aaron Maybin as the starters. Paul Posluszny will man the middle after posting 111 total tackles, and 3 interceptions in only 12 games last year. The Bills also have an incredible secondary. It is a pool of talent that showcases young speed with a nose for the football, especially Jairus Byrd. If the offense can sustain some drives and not hang the defense out to dry, the Bills will be tough to score on.
As much as I like the Bills this year, they play in one of the toughest divisions in football. The Jets have arguably the best team on paper and the Dolphins and Patriots still must be dealt with as well. If they have decent QB play they could finish around the same as last year. Their schedule is not unbearable but it is not an easy one either which makes this so difficult.
Prediction: I will go with 6-10 yet again. (A solid QB could net 8 wins with this team though)
I think you pretty much hit the nail on the head with this one. The only thing preventing Buffalo from being an upper tier team is solid quarterback play. And I don't think they're going to get that from anyone on their roster. If Trent Edwards has a mediocre, game manager type season, they should probably land around 5-6 wins.
ReplyDeleteIn an easier division they probably win more games. They are as close a team as any in the NFL to be very good but not having a servicable QB is killer.
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