What Went Right: Running Backs
While Fred
Jackson’s production was not a big surprise, C.J. Spiller went from potential
bust to standout. Spiller had mixed results from week to week, but showed that
he could be a big play threat. He also showed that he could be effective on
limited carries. Nine times, he averaged over 5 yards per carry on 15 or fewer
carries. If he is offset by a more powerful back, He could very easily average
six yards per carry again. His speed is also a big time asset in the passing
game, catching eight passes of 20 yards or more. More than a few times, they
would flex him out of the backfield and use him either as a distraction or as a
receiver, giving their offense a lot of options.
What Went Wrong: Defense
In spite of all
the money and draft picks spent on the defensive side of the ball, Buffalo had
a terrible defense. While Mario Williams did have a respectable 10.5 sacks this
year, he was so streaky that few noticed that he finished the year on a decent
note. A full offseason to recovery from in-season wrist surgery should help.
Marcel Darues didn’t play well in his transition from a 3-4 to a 4-3, but
another year in the system will hopefully help. Kyle Williams looked like a
shell of his former self and Mark Anderson missed a number of games with an
injury. This allowed offensive lines to get to the second level too easily,
blocking up the undersized and often ineffective linebackers. That area should
be improved during the offseason. While George Wilson and Jarius Byrd had solid
seasons, the cornerback position was a weakness. A new coordinator may help,
but they could also use and infusion of talent in the secondary and linebacking
corp.
Player of the Year: C.J. Spiller
It’s hard to find
another candidate. Spiller’s rushing and receiving yards combined for over 1700
yards and 8 touchdowns. He gave the Bills a versatile and dangerous weapon that
would give defenses fits. This year was a major breakout season for the former
no. 9 overall pick.
Keeper: Jarius Byrd
I could have
easily gone with guard Andy Levitre here, and in truth the Bills needs to keep
him as much as they need to keep Byrd. However, it’s a little harder for them
to cover up the loss of their best defensive back than the loss of a solid
guard. Ever since recovering for a torn ACL, Byrd has become a smarter and smarter
safety, maintaining his centerfielder's mentality while becoming a stronger
tackler and getting better and ripping the ball out of the hands of receivers
and rushers. In all he accounted for nine turnovers this year, forcing four
fumbles to go with his five interceptions. If he’s not given a solid contract
in Buffalo, he’ll be highly sought after I free agency.
Goner: Ryan Fitzpatrick
This is less
about production and even coaching staff changes then it is numbers. Simply
put, he’s going to count 10.45 million against the cap next year and there’s no
guarantee that he’s going to be the starter going forward. He threw some poorly
timed interceptions and didn’t make enough big plays. That being said, the
Bills don’t have a ton of good options for replacements either. At best, I can
see the Bills drafting Ryan Nassib, who’s familiar with Doug Marrone’s
offensive system, in the later rounds and having him start after a year or two
of acclimation to the speed of the NFL. Even then, I’m not sure that would be
the best strategy.
Should Draft: Receiver
Other than
Stevie Johnson, the Bills don’t have a viable playmaker, or even a solid, starting
quality receiver. Scott Chandler has become a solid tight end, but is hardly
dynamic enough to pull coverage away from Johnson. They need to get another complete,
solid receiver to draw coverage away from Johnson and T.J. Graham, who is a
solid speedster at the slot. Cornerback and linebacker are other
considerations. Quarterback could be a good option for the second or third
round.
No comments:
Post a Comment