NFL Preview: Buffalo Bills

Buffalo Bills 


Key Additions:
DT Marcell Dareus (draft)
CB Aaron Williams (draft)
LB Nick Barnett (FA)
QB/WR Brad Smith (FA)
LB Kirk Morrison (FA)


Key Departures:
LB Akin Ayodele
LB Aaron Maybin
LB Paul Posluszny 
S Donte Whitner 
WR Lee Evans


Report:

The sun is shining a bit brighter on Buffalo this offseason. The Bills coaches and organization believe they have found their quarterback for many seasons in QB Ryan Fitzpatrick. Fitzpatrick started the last 13 games and passed for 3,000 yards and 23 TD's. At running back Buffalo is starting Fred Jackson who rushed for over 900 yards a season ago. Backing him up is former 1st-round pick C.J. Spiller. Spiller and Buffalo hope that he can play like they expect him to. With the trade of WR Lee Evans, WR Steve Johnson is the clear #1 receiver. The Bills need Donald Jones, Roscoe Parrish, David Nelson, and TE Scott Chandler to step up and give Fitzpatrick more options. Most of the offensive line is back, which is great for them to be used to Fitzpatrick. 

The defensive line should be one the strongest parts of the defense. Marcell Dareus will inserted into the starting line up as DE, but that is only because they already have a Pro Bowler in DT Kyle Williams. LB Shawn Merriman looks like he may have resurrected part of his former self. If Merriman can continue to cause havoc in the backfield that would really help Nick Barnett and Chris Kelsay in the secondary and running game. New pick-up Kirk Morrison is battling with Andra Davis for the last starting linebacker spot. Cornerback looks to be a strong position again for Buffalo. Starters Terence McGee and Leodis McKelvin are a great tandem with Drayton Florence backing them up. They also drafted Aaron Williams from Texas. Replacing S Donte Whitner will be key. It looks like George Wilson will take over the starting sport, alongside Jarius Byrd. 


K Rian Lindell is an average kicker. P Brian Moorman is one the leagues best punters and longtime Bill. Returner is a deep position for Buffalo. C.J. Spiller and Roscoe Parrish took over the duties last season, but free agent pick-up Brad Smith is a good returner. 


Review:
Buffalo seems to be improving. They believe they have found their quarterback, running back, and receiver for the future. The pass defense was great last season, but they need the front seven to stop the run. They may be on their may up, but in the division they are in it will be tough to get wins.


Division Finish: TBA