Buffalo
By Rudy Haynesworth on March 28, 2010
- “real sports writing doesn’t need pretty pictures”
I’ve been a lifelong Browns fan. Mainly because of my father growing up in Cleveland and going there frequently as a youth to visit my grandmother, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Now, my mother is from Buffalo and because of that I’ve always rooted for the Bills (when they weren’t playing the Browns). I can remember watching the Bills play the Cowboys and Redskins in the Super Bowl in Buffalo with my family members. This article is dedicated to Priscilla, Angela, Nicole, Lil T, Myles, Vernard, Courtney, Carla, Shelia, and of course Grandma and Grandpa.
- “real sports writing doesn’t need pretty pictures”
I’ve been a lifelong Browns fan. Mainly because of my father growing up in Cleveland and going there frequently as a youth to visit my grandmother, cousins, aunts, and uncles. Now, my mother is from Buffalo and because of that I’ve always rooted for the Bills (when they weren’t playing the Browns). I can remember watching the Bills play the Cowboys and Redskins in the Super Bowl in Buffalo with my family members. This article is dedicated to Priscilla, Angela, Nicole, Lil T, Myles, Vernard, Courtney, Carla, Shelia, and of course Grandma and Grandpa.
The Bills aren’t in good shape going into next season. I often emphasize how important the quarterback position is. With that said, Trent Edwards and Ryan Fitzpatrick aren’t the men for the job. I was, however, high on Buffalo backup QB Brian Brohm in college at Louisville. But, new head coach Chan Gailey will no doubt want to bring in a QB that he likes as a starter. There are limited veteran QBs on the market. Jake Delhomme, who was recently released by Carolina, is definitely a possibility of someone who could start in Buffalo next season. If they do not sign a free agent QB, look for Jimmy Clausen from Notre Dame to be the 9th pick in the draft.
At running back the Bills duo of Lynch and Jackson had a down year, with only 1512 comined rushing yards in 09. But, that is mostly due to spotty offensive line play and an ineffective passing game. The passing game being ineffective was kind of a suprise, being that Buffalo had signed Terrell Owens last offseason to bolster an already deep recieving core. But, Reed, Hardy, Evans, and Parish didn’t get any better playing with T.O. Buffalo won’t be retaining Josh Reed or Owens, so they will definitely need someone to start opposite Lee Evans. The Bills do not have a TE of note, and will have to address that position after losing Robert Royal to Cleveland before last season (thanks a lot by the way). The Bills also traded former Pro Bowl Tackle Jason Peters to the Eagles before last season, which hurt the line.
The strength of the Bills is definitely their defense. Suprise defensive back Jarius Byrd led the team with nine interceptions last season. Posluszny, Kelsay and Schobel can all be strong in the front seven if they can avoid injury. Marcus Stroud is still a force at DT, but Aaron Maybin (last years 1st round draft pick) was a big non-factor last season with no sacks. Linebacker Kawika Mitchell and safety Donte Whitner are the conerstones of the defense. But, again health is a key factor on this defense and the main need for the D is solidifying the Defensive Tackle position.
Ummm…yes they do!!!