Well, we have spent some time on the blue and gold, but what about the guys over at the Ralph?
The Buffalo Bills have quite a flashy and impressive new look, so let’s take a gander at what this team is really all about.
Terry and Kim Pegula went out and got themselves the face of the franchise in Rex Ryan (too bad that’s not a QB) and so far, it looks like he has gained immediate respect from players and coaches alike. Some expensive toys have been added to the offense when looking at LeSean McCoy, Percy Harvin and Charles Clay, but obviously the big question mark still remains at QB.
Sammy Watkins will be in his 2nd year and so far, he is everything that has been advertised if given the chance to showcase his elite skill-set. The guard position should take a big step forward as Incognito was added in FA and John Miller was added in the 3rd round of the draft. Both of these guys have shown very well in the limited time we have seen them on the field, so now that leaves the tackle positions. Cordy Glenn should have the Left Tackle position locked down and the really good news is that Cyrus Kouandjio has taken a big leap from last year. Whether it is Cyrus or Henderson claiming that Right Tackle spot, I think the O Line is shaping up rather nicely.
We all know the Bills defense is a top 5 unit with players like Mario, Kyle Williams, Dareus, Hughes and Gilmore, but just think about the level they could reach when you add Rex Ryan, who is arguably the best defensive mind in football. Two players that people may not be talking about right now on Defense are OLB Manny Lawson and Cornerback Ronald Darby. I believe Lawson is going to have a monster season and with another injury to Leodis McKelvin, the pick-up of Darby in the 2nd round looks to be an incredibly smart one. It’s no secret that the Bills are going to be a run first offense but when the time comes to actually throw the ball, who is going to be the guy when the dust settles?
As much as I would love to see EJ flat out win the job, it is becoming quite obvious that he just might not have it in him. He has everything you would want in a QB except the one thing that these coaches are going to demand… accuracy.
We now move on to Tyrod Taylor who some might say has been the most consistent of the bunch from start to finish. The problem here is that he may be too much flash as he tends to abandon a play before it fully develops.
Last, and who I believe to be least, is Matt Cassel. Maybe I am a little harsh here, but have we not seen this QB come and go through One Bills Drive a few times over the last 15 years? He just seems like a someone who is going to struggle mightily as soon as the opposing defenses focus on the short range game.
Regardless of who the QB is going to be, the Bills Defense and skill positions should be able to keep them within striking distance in every game they play. If they can stay healthy and win the turnover battle, the sky is the limit with this group.
The one thing that has me worried is that any one of the 3 QBs battling it out could be cut and I would not be the least bit surprised. That’s not exactly a glowing statement when you are talking about the starting quarterback of a team who has not seen the playoffs in 15 years. The first pre-season game is this Friday and all eyes will be on the man behind center.