Uncategorized

NFL 2006: Buffalo Bills

Dick Jauron takes over as the new head coach of the Buffalo Bills after Mike Mularkey was let go. Marv Levy returns once again, only this time in the front office, to lead the Bills back to prominence in the AFC East. Levy has a long climb for the Bills to reach New England and rising Miami in the division. This is a squad that managed to score only 271 points last season on its way to a 5-11 mark.

Offense: Levy and the Bills are very much hoping that J.P. Losman isn’t another Tim Couch or Akili Smith. The former first round choice battled with veteran Kelly Holcomb for the starting job last year and it looks like more of the same this season. Holcomb threw for 1,509 yard with 10 scores, while completing 67 percent of his passes.

Losman on the other hand collected 1,340 yards with a dismal 49.6 percent completion rate. Losman must come around for the Bills to be successful. He has all the physical attributes but his arrogance and sometimes nonchalant attitude has upset many in the Bills front office. Holcomb is a serviceable signal caller, but not one that will lead a team to the playoffs on a consistent basis.

Willis McGahee returns at running back and will be the main focus of the offense – provided McGahee can stay healthy. The former Miami star ran for 1,247 yards last season, but scored only five touchdowns. Those numbers will have to improve. Shaud Williams and former 1,000 rusher Anthony Thomas provide backup.

Eric Moulds and his 81 catches are gone. In his place Peerless Price returns. Price has struggled of late (he was cut by Atlanta and Dallas last season), now he returns to the place where he had his best years. The problem is those years happened with Moulds around. Lee Evans (48 receptions, 743 yards and seven TDs) takes over as number one receiver. Underachiever Josh Reed (32-449-2) is the number three man. At tight end, Jauron hopes that injury-prone Kevin Everett can stay healthy this season. If not, Robert Royal is the man.

The offensive line has two new pickups in Melvin Fowler andติดต่อufabetเว็บหลัก Tutan Reyes. Fowler came from Minnesota and is projected as the starting center, while Reyes will challenge Duke Preston and Chris Villarrial for one of the guard spots. Mike Gandy is penciled in at left tackle and Jason Peters will battle Aaron Gibson for the right side.

Defense: The Bills drafted five defensive players with their first six picks including three defensive backs in the hopes of improving a unit that gave up 367 points last season.