Football Thoughts

Buffalo Bills (7-9)
Buffalo keep Bills fans dizzy from roller coaster like season, but the future is bright.

2007 Summary:
Expectations were not very high for Buffalo Bill fans coming into 2007. Well let's face it, they never are. Their starting runningback that had just left the team, Willis McGahee, had just mocked the team and it's city. Even if they were extremely rude, a lot of it was right. Buffalo is not the team every free agent is dieing to go to, so it makes it harder to stir things up in this little town. However, this season would bring some doubt to that. Even though they don't have the best talent in the league, the Buffalo Bills are a prime example of a team that plays with heart, which could also relate to the fans. When the schedules came out in early April, it looked a near lock that the Bills would withstand another losing season. Well guess what...they were right. If you look closely though, this team stuck together and won more games than expected. In fact, they lost many games people thought they should have won.

It is actually quite amazing how much Buffalo was able to overcome and still compete. Even after a Week one last second loss where tight end Kevin Everett almost died on the field, and had the chance to not walk again, the Bills struck back and played in his honor. They even were able to overcome a heart breaking loss to the Dallas Cowboys on Monday Night Football, where they picked off Tony Romo five times, and put on a six game winning streak.

Things are looking great for 2008. They were able to add defensive tackles Marcus Stroud and Spencer Johnson, and also signed linebacker Kawaki Mitchell to bolster the defense. If Trent Edwards developes well enough, and the Bills give him some weapons on offese, the Bills are a serious canidate to grab a wildcard this up and coming season.  

TOP 3 NEEDS FOR 2008:

1.) Corner Back:
Terrence McGhee is more suited for the #2 role, and the Bills have no depth otherwise. Ashton Youboty and Jabari Greer are decent, but what this team really needs is a stud lock down cornerback like they had with Nate Clements.

2.) Wide Receiver:
Opposing defenses were able to lock down Lee Evans because there was noone on the other side of the field that could do damage. The draft has great depth at receiver, so they'll be able to snag one in the first or second round.

3.) Defensive End:
Aaron Schobel made the Pro Bowl last season, but that isn't saying much considering he couldn't even manage over five sacks. Ryan Denney and Chris Kelsay both suffered serious injuries towards seasons end, and both are very average. A large pass rusher is needed.

2008 Offseason Moves

Notable additions: DT Marcus Stroud, DT Spencer Johnson, OLB Kawaki Mitchell, CB William James, TE Courtney Anderson

Notable resignings: S Bryan Scott, C Jason Whittle

Notable releases: DT Larry Tripplett, CB Kiwaukee Thomas, S Jim Leonhard, RB Anthony Thomas, WR Peerless Price, S Coy Wire

Notable Departures: CB Jason Webster

Grades:

Quarterbacks: C-
- J.P Losman has been a disappointment since his arrival in Buffalo. Third round pick Trent Edwards did a decent job of managing the team, but he'll have to step up his game if he want's this team to make the playoffs.

Runningbacks: B
- Marshawn Lynch will be a future stud in this league, but the Bills have no depth behind him.

Wide Receivers: C-
- Lee Evans was double teamed last season because Buffalo has no talent other than him. Josh Reed is below average, and Roscoe Parrish is better used on special teams. A rookie must be brought in.

Offensive Line: B+
- Buffalo had one of the largest offensive lines in the league. Jason Peters and Derrick Dockery make for one of the best left sides in football, and the right side aint too bad either. Langston Walker and Jason Whittle are gigantic bodies and plow the way for Marshawn Lynch. The center position could be upgraded though. Melvin Fowler is very average.

Tight End: C
- Robert Royal? Courtney Anderson? Both aren't big threats by any means. A tight end in the 2nd round wouldn't be a suprise at all.

Defensive line: B-
- Spencer Johnson may be one of the most underated signings by the Bills. He will be a solid tackle for them. Marcus Stroud was brought in threw trade, and Aaron Schobel is a solid Pro Bowl player. The other end postion could be upgraded though. Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney are both average.

Linebackers: B+
- With young Paul Posluzny returning from injury to join free agent addition Kawaki Mitchell and stud Angelo Crowell, linebacker may be Buffalo's biggest strength in 2008.

Defensive Backs: C
- The Bills have a lot of decent guys playing defensive back, but no real all stars. Donte Whitner and Terrence McGhee make their plays, but get beat too often. Safety Ko Simpson will be returning too add depth. Corner back in round one or two seems logical.

Special Teams: A
- Kicker Rian Lindell is one of the best in league at his position. Terrence Mcghee is a great kick returner, and Roscoe Parrish is also great returning punts.

Coaching: B
Even through all the injuries and adversity, the Bills coaching staff kept them in the playoff hunt. They deserve a lot of credit.

2008 Opponents: