NFL: What Can Be Expected Out of the Buffalo Bills in 2006?
Jauron has his work cut out for him this upcoming season. He has two average quarterbacks in Kelly Holcomb and J.P Losman who will be competing throughout the preseason for the starting position. Jauron will also have to reconstruct and re-energize a defense that was one of the leagues best when Gregg Williams was the head coach of the team. Defensive leader Takeo Spikes is coming off an Achilles injury that kept him out most of the 2005 season.
Now that Marv Levy is back with the franchise that he helped to win four AFC championships in the early 90’s, the Buffalo Bill’s fan-base cant help but to feel optimistic about the future. This upcoming season will be a rebuilding year for the Bills, but it doesn’t mean that the team won’t compete. The AFC division features the New England Patriots that will be aiming for another super bowl run and the Miami Dolphins who are quickly approving under the watchful eye of Nick Saban. The Bills will have to be competitive in the division to establish some respect and maybe earn a playoff spot.
LOSMAN OR HOLCOMB
When it comes to picking the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills, you might as well flip a coin and hope for the best. Kelly Holcomb and J.P. Losman have been average (at best) so far in their careers and may have little to offer for the offense. If I really had to pick a QB to start for my team between the two, I would have to go with Kelly Holcomb. Holcomb has playoff experience with the Cleveland Browns as well as more years under his belt. In 2005, Holcomb completed 64 percent of his passes. J.P. Losman is entering his third year in the NFL and with the Bills. He is still learning the game and will need more time to become a good NFL quarterback. If the Bills decide to go with Losman as the starting quarterback, they will basically be looking towards the future. Kelly Holcomb as the starter is more of a “win now” situation.
MCGAHEE CAN BE ELITE
Running back Willis McGahee rushed for 1247 yards and scored 5 touchdowns in 2005. However, he was less than stellar in his last 8 games. Midway through the season, McGahee proclaimed to be the best running back in the NFL. This season, he has promised to keep his mouth shut this season and play football. McGahee can be an elite running back if he can get the necessary carries he needs.
RECEIVERS? WHAT RECEIVERS???
Eric Moulds is no longer with the Buffalo Bills; he was traded to the Houston Texans in the off-season. Currently, the Bills don’t have a receiver with downfield threat ability. Peerless Price was brought back to a team that includes Josh Reed, Lee Evans, and Roscoe Parrish. Whoever is the starting quarterback, will need to spread the ball around to all of the receivers instead of focusing on one target like they did with Eric Moulds.
TAKEO SPIKES IS BACK
Linebacker Takeo Spikes is an elite defensive player and the leader on the Buffalo Bills defense. Last season, Spikes only played in games before going down with an Achilles injury. Fellow linebacker London Fletcher picked up the slack for spikes by making a total of 157 tackles, 4 sacks, and an interception. However, the Bills ranked 29th in total defense. In 2003 and 2004, the Buffalo ranked second in the league. With Spikes back in the line-up, the defense may return to their dominant form.
A LOOK AT THE 2006 SCHEDULE
The first two games of the season for the Buffalo Bills will be on the road against AFC east opponents, the New England Patriots and the Miami Dolphins. In November, the Bills will go against the Indianapolis Colts and the Jacksonville Jaguars. They close the season against the Jets, Dolphins, Titans, and Ravens.
The Buffalo Bills are supposed to be a team in transition this season. However, the Bills do not have a very tough schedule and may be able to surprise some teams with impressive defense and mistake free offense.
