Toward the end of the 2006 season in which the team finished just 7-9, the Buffalo Bills appeared to be one of those teams ready to turn the corner toward prosperity. Quarterback J.P. Losman seems to be a signal caller on the rise, and he has an underrated weapon at his disposal in Lee Evans. [p But this team lost some key veterans at valuable positions, and suddenly find themselves as the youngest team in the league. So the onus is really on head coach Dick Jauron to mold this young squad into winners.
What's New?
The offensive line received a boost with the acquisitions of guard Derrick Dockery and tackle Langston Walker, but in my opinion, they overpaid for Walker. The team also tried to land some help at defensive tackle, but their inability to sign Darwin Walker after they acquired him from Philadelphia led to their re-trading him to Chicago.
Other than rookies, there were no other additions to the roster.
The Bills are hoping, however, to open up their playbook a little more in 2007, getting the tight ends and running backs more involved in the passing game. They also hope to throw a little more no-huddle at opponents as well.
NFL Draft Picks
1st Round - Marshawn Lynch, RB California
2nd Round - Paul Posluszny, OLB Penn State
3rd Round - Trent Edwards, QB Stanford
4th Round - Dwayne Wright, RB Fresno State
6th Round - John Wendling, FS Wyoming
7th Round - Derek Schouman, FB Boise State
7th Round - C.J. Ah You, DE Oklahoma
Who's Gone?
A lot of talent and experience was lost on the free-agent market during the offseason that could have a significant negative effect on the team. Gone is CB Nate Clements, who was overpaid by the 49ers, MLB London Fletcher-Baker, who is likely to be replaced by rookie Paul Posluszny, and LB Takeo Spikes, who will be wearing Eagles’ colors this season.
The team also traded running back Willis McGahee, and lost a pair of guards in Tutan Reyes and Chris Villarrial.
What Needs to Change?
Buffalo’s pass defense was amongst the best in the league, but opponents really didn’t need to pass the ball to beat the Bills. The defensive unit ranked 28th in the league against the run, allowing more than 140 yards per game. And there really isn’t a lot of reason for optimism in that area.
As a rookie last season, DT John McCargo only played in five games, missing much of the season because of a stress fracture in his foot. Unless he has a tremendous sophomore campaign, I don’t see where the added run support from the defensive line is going to come from.
Under Pressure to Perform
Marshawn Lynch - Willis McGahee, last year’s starting tailback, was traded and by all indications Lynch will carry a heavy load this year. Generally, running back is one of the easier positions to make the transition from college to the NFL, and there’s no question Lynch is talented. But the fact is he’s still a rookie.
John McCargo - The Bills inability to sign Darwin Walker to a long-term deal, and his subsequent trade to the Bears further exposes the Bills’ weak run defense. McCargo must step up in his second year and start plugging some holes in the running game.
Langston Walker - For some reason the Bills felt a need to give this guy big money, despite the fact that he never stood out in his six seasons with the Raiders. With no other proven option at right tackle, the pressure will be on Langston to earn his paycheck.
2006 Rankings
Overall Offense - 30th (266.9)
Rushing Offense - 27th (97.0)
Passing Offense - 28th (169.9)
Overall Defense - 18th (329.6)
Rushing Defense - 28th (140.9)
Passing Defense - 7th (188.7)
Prediction - The Bills appeared to be coming around late in the 2006 season, but they lost a number of key veteran players. Losman and receiver Lee Evans appear to be an up-and-coming combination in the passing game, but if the defense can’t keep teams from running all over them as they did in ‘06, it will be another sub-.500 season for the Bills again.
Record: 6-10 and third in the AFC East.
