Buffalo Bills Predictions
Consecutive 7-9 seasons have the Buffalo Bills on the verge of breaking through. But the wins they get seem to be ugly ones where they squeak it out with a solid running game and a stout defense. Their offense is going to have to become more explosive in the passing game is the Bills are going to have any shot of breaking their eight-year postseason drought. Two more top rookie picks in cornerback Leodis McKelvin and wide receiver James Hardy are projected to be starters in 2008. That makes 10 starters obtained via the draft the past three seasons. The Bills now have 17 starters with five years of NFL experience or fewer. Let’s see how this young talent will fare with our 2008 Buffalo Bills predictions below.
Offense:
Trent Edwards emerged as the Bills’ starting quarterback as a rookie. J.P. Losman held the starting job, but injuries and inconsistency opened the door for Edwards. He threw for 1,630 yards, seven touchdowns and eight interceptions as a starter last season. Those numbers don’t blow you away, but they are good enough to maintain his job as the starter this season. With Losman having 31 career starts, it gives the Bills a good insurance policy to Edwards.
Marshawn Lynch had a stellar rookie reason in which he rushed for 1,115 yards and seven touchdowns to earn team MVP honors. Lynch must become more of a factor in the passing game as he recorded just 18 catches last season. Anthony Thomas was released as backup running back, opening the door for Fred Jackson to step into the No. 2 role. Jackson rushed for 115 yards against the Miami Dolphins last season to show he can handle the load when called upon.
Lee Evans’ production tailed off significantly last season after grabbing 82 balls in 2006. The addition of 6′5″ Hardy will deflect extra attention from Evans. He gives Buffalo a red zone target they desperately needed. The Bills scored touchdowns only 38 percent of the time when they reached the opponent’s 20-yard line. Josh Reed can now return to the slot where he is most comfortable as he makes room for Hardy on the outside. Robert Royal should be much better at tight end this season after recording just 25 catches and three touchdowns a year ago.
The Bills return their starting five offensive linemen intact. This is a good omen for any team, especially the Bills. Pro Bowl left tackle Jason Peters teams with left guard Derrick Dockery, center Melvin Fowler, right guard Brad Butler and tackle Langston Walker. Marshawn Lynch should have an even bigger year this season with a year of experience running behind this same offensive line.
Defense:
The Bills have ranked near the bottom of the league in rushing defense for three years now. But they have gotten serious about this unit this season. The team released Larry Tripplett, traded for 310-pound tackle Marcus Stroud, a three-time Pro Bowler in Jacksonville. They also signed Spencer Johnson. The Bills allowed 124.6 yards per game rushing last year, but the combo of Stroud and Johnson combined with Kyle Williams and John McCargo make this team much bigger and quicker at the point of attack. Former Pro Bowler Aaron Schobel and Chris Kelsay along with Ryan Denney and third-round pick Chris Ellis will compete for starting defensive end jobs. So there is plenty of competition to go around, which is good for any team.
Paul Posluzney returns healthy at middle linebacker, while free agent Kawika Mitchell brings over his Super Bowl experience from the Giants to help shore up this defense on the weak side. Steady veteran Angelo Crowell is a solid strong side linebacker, so the Bills should be improved at the linebacking position as well. Young pros Keith Ellison and John DiGiorgia bring proven depth to the table.
The Bills knew they would miss Nate Clements after trading him to the 49ers. But they just didn’t anticipate hw much. Buffalo allowed the most passing yards in team history last year at a 238.4 ypg clip. Of course, it doesn’t help when they have to play the Patriots twice a season. The Bills decided to use their 11th overall pick on corner McKelvin who restores speed and size to the position. Terrance McGee is on the other side and he’s a very instinctive and athletic performer. The safeties will be 2006 draft gems Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson. Jabari Greer comes in on nickel back situations. Free agent William James will also figure into the mix to add much-needed help to this secondary.
Info Plays 2008 Buffalo Bills Predictions:
Buffalo improved in every aspect of their defense. Starting with the defensive line, to the linebackers and then to the secondary, this Bills’ team will be better off in 2008. They also added a big-play receiver in James Hardy via NFL Draft to help take pressure off of Lee Evans. On paper, this team has improved in every phase of the game. Now they just have to turn it into production and wins. The Bills will have a shot at a Wild-Card playoff spot this season. But they won’t be able to compete with the Patriots, who will tear apart their secondary again in 2008. The Bills should be able to sweep the Dolphins and Jets to help their cause at making the playoffs this season. Chalk up Buffalo for a No. 2 finish in the AFC East.
Related Articles You May Be Interested In:
