2013 NFL Preview: Buffalo Bills
Last Season: The 2012 season saw the Buffalo Bills as a team that could get wins against its weaker opponents, but that struggled mightily against good teams. The defensive side of the ball was especially troublesome and allowed opponents to score more than 40 points four times, and 50 or more twice. The team had some nice offensive performances, but it wasn't enough to keep them from losing seven of their last ten, and finishing tied with the Jets for the worst record in the AFC East.
Offense: The offense will see big changes for the 2013 season, starting right at the top with the quarterback position. Gone is Ryan Fitzpatrick, replaced by Kevin Kolb who was brought in via free agency. The team also drafted EJ Manuel, who will compete for the job as well. The Bills do have a star, and one of the most exciting players in the league at RB in the form of CJ Spiller. Spiller rushed for 1,200 yards despite having just 207 carries and had some of the NFL's more spectacular plays. Coaches will attempt to get the ball to him in a number of ways. The wide receiver corps was upgraded this offseason as well, with Buffalo using the draft to do so. Stevie Johnson is a top level WR who will benefit from a talent upgrade around him. Scott Chandler returns at tight end, and is solid. The offensive line will need to protect whichever QB wins the starting job. Kolb is coming off an injury, while Manuel is a young QB who will need time.
Defense: Defensively, the Bills will need to be much better in nearly every facet. The defensive line should be a strength, with talent all across it. Mario Williams is the biggest name, and could have a huge season, while tackle Kyle Williams will look to get completely healthy and back into Pro Bowl form. Marcell Dareus has a ton of promise, and should continue to improve. The team recorded 30 sacks in 2012 and will look to improve on that this year. Turnovers is another area where the Bills want to get better. They forced just 20 last season, good for 11th in the AFC, compared to 34 giveaways. Second year CB Stephon Gilmore will be asked to aid them in this endeavor, while safety Jairus Byrd will look to keep up his excellent play in the secondary. Byrd has shown an innate ability to force turnovers, and he will be key this year. The linebackers have a lot of questions, with young players expected to be heavily relied on.
Why the Bills Will Finish Over .500: The Bills defense will be healthy and hungry to make fans forget the disastrous 2012 season. They could have one of the best defensive lines in the league, and if all remain able to contribute, will improve on all their numbers from a year ago. On offense, CJ Spiller is a TD waiting to happen.
Why the Bills Will Finish Last: Despite Fitzpatrick's tendency to turn the ball over, they probably aren't any better off at the QB position in 2013. Kolb hasn't shown much in his career thus far, and Manuel, while talented, is a complete unknown, and may not be ready to play.
Instant Impact: Robert Woods is an NFL ready WR who should contribute right away. Going into 2012, Woods was considered a Heisman candidate, but got lost in the shuffle a bit behind USC teammate Marquis Lee's big year. He's immensely talented, with great hands and an understanding of how to get open.
Questions I Have: Will Spiller be as great when he's the feature back? Who will win the starting job at QB? Will any of the LBs separate themselves from the pack?
Overall: The Bills have some talent on the roster, but it will be an uphill battle with so many questions at the QB position. There will likely be plenty of excitement surrounding the team, and fans will have some moments to cheer for. Spiller is electric, Byrd is a playmaker, and the defensive line is healthy. However, if Kolb, or one of the other QBs don't step up and take control of the team, it won't matter in the end and they'll find themselves fighting to equal last year's six wins.
Offense: The offense will see big changes for the 2013 season, starting right at the top with the quarterback position. Gone is Ryan Fitzpatrick, replaced by Kevin Kolb who was brought in via free agency. The team also drafted EJ Manuel, who will compete for the job as well. The Bills do have a star, and one of the most exciting players in the league at RB in the form of CJ Spiller. Spiller rushed for 1,200 yards despite having just 207 carries and had some of the NFL's more spectacular plays. Coaches will attempt to get the ball to him in a number of ways. The wide receiver corps was upgraded this offseason as well, with Buffalo using the draft to do so. Stevie Johnson is a top level WR who will benefit from a talent upgrade around him. Scott Chandler returns at tight end, and is solid. The offensive line will need to protect whichever QB wins the starting job. Kolb is coming off an injury, while Manuel is a young QB who will need time.
Defense: Defensively, the Bills will need to be much better in nearly every facet. The defensive line should be a strength, with talent all across it. Mario Williams is the biggest name, and could have a huge season, while tackle Kyle Williams will look to get completely healthy and back into Pro Bowl form. Marcell Dareus has a ton of promise, and should continue to improve. The team recorded 30 sacks in 2012 and will look to improve on that this year. Turnovers is another area where the Bills want to get better. They forced just 20 last season, good for 11th in the AFC, compared to 34 giveaways. Second year CB Stephon Gilmore will be asked to aid them in this endeavor, while safety Jairus Byrd will look to keep up his excellent play in the secondary. Byrd has shown an innate ability to force turnovers, and he will be key this year. The linebackers have a lot of questions, with young players expected to be heavily relied on.
Why the Bills Will Finish Over .500: The Bills defense will be healthy and hungry to make fans forget the disastrous 2012 season. They could have one of the best defensive lines in the league, and if all remain able to contribute, will improve on all their numbers from a year ago. On offense, CJ Spiller is a TD waiting to happen.
Why the Bills Will Finish Last: Despite Fitzpatrick's tendency to turn the ball over, they probably aren't any better off at the QB position in 2013. Kolb hasn't shown much in his career thus far, and Manuel, while talented, is a complete unknown, and may not be ready to play.
Instant Impact: Robert Woods is an NFL ready WR who should contribute right away. Going into 2012, Woods was considered a Heisman candidate, but got lost in the shuffle a bit behind USC teammate Marquis Lee's big year. He's immensely talented, with great hands and an understanding of how to get open.
Questions I Have: Will Spiller be as great when he's the feature back? Who will win the starting job at QB? Will any of the LBs separate themselves from the pack?
Overall: The Bills have some talent on the roster, but it will be an uphill battle with so many questions at the QB position. There will likely be plenty of excitement surrounding the team, and fans will have some moments to cheer for. Spiller is electric, Byrd is a playmaker, and the defensive line is healthy. However, if Kolb, or one of the other QBs don't step up and take control of the team, it won't matter in the end and they'll find themselves fighting to equal last year's six wins.
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