First Glance: The Bills are entering the 2010 campaign with a new head coach and a new outlook on the offensive side of the ball, but unfortunately for them, their division rivals have all stacked up on proven talent, leaving Buffalo once again at the back of the bus.

2009 Record: 6-10 (4th AFC East)

Key Additions: OT Cornell Green, DE/DT Dwan Edwards, ILB Andra Davis, ILB Reggie Torbor

Key Losses: WR Terrell Owens, WR Josh Reed, TE Derek Fine, OT Jonathan Scott, G Richie Incognito, DE Aaron Schobel, DE Ryan Denney, SS John Wendling

Draft Picks: RB C.J. Spiller, NT Torell Troup, DE/DT Alex Carrington, WR Marcus Easley, OT Ed Wang, DE/OLB Arthur Moats, DE/OLB Danny Batten, QB Levi Brown, OT Kyle Calloway

Analysis: The biggest key for the Bills this season will be the play at quarterback, as they’ve had a tremendous amount of difficulty in maintaining any semblance of consistency there in recent years, and it’s shown up big time in the win-loss column.

Aside from that, having an offensive line that actually blocks will be imperative as well, given the porous protection they displayed last year. That will also be a big help in the Bills running game, as having a reasonable hole to run through can mean the difference between getting a first down and punting more often than not.

Defensively, the Bills have to be better along their front seven, and stopping the run has to be priority number one. It won’t be easy, but the addition of several big bodies in that area should be beneficial in that regard.

Having a solid pass rush has to be the next goal for Buffalo this fall, as they can ill afford to let opposing quarterbacks dissect their secondary with ease, especially within the division, where both Miami and New York have added premier talents at wide receiver.

Not many folks are sold on the idea that Chan Gailey was the best man for the head coaching job, but given the circumstances and the unwillingness of pretty much every other top level coach to work in Buffalo, the Bills did well to get someone with experience, however poor he’s been in that role.

That said, at the very least the Bills should be exciting to watch offensively speaking, as Gailey will undoubtedly dial up the playbook with plenty of gadget plays, just as he did during his time in Kansas City, when he had even less to work with in terms of talent.

Overall, the Bills will struggle to finish better than 4th in what’s become one of the toughest divisions in the entire league, but they should take heart in their opportunity to spoil their rival’s seasons with a few wins, and play their asses off. In no way is anything guaranteed in this game, and despite their clear shortcomings talent wise, Buffalo has the exact same chance as everyone else at this point.

2010 Projection: 3-13 (4th AFC East)

No related posts.