Buffalo Bills 2005 season preview
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It all comes down to the quarterback in Buffalo. Had the Bills gotten better quarterback play in the final game of last season against Pittsburgh's JV, they might have been a playoff team. Losman's mobility will allow him to make plays, big and small, that Drew Bledsoe simply couldn't. The Bills have devised ways to utilize Losman's 4.6 speed, and at the very least, Losman will be able to throw on the run or scramble for key first downs. The bottom line is, he won't be a stationary target in the pocket.
Losman won't have to carry the offensive load, though; Willis McGahee is quite capable of doing so. The running back is another year removed from the knee injury he suffered in his final collegiate game and looks quicker than he did in rushing for 1,100-plus yards in '04. Eric Moulds doesn't look anything like a player who came into the league in 1996. The second-biggest question on offense is whether Mike Gandy can hold up at left tackle.
Defensively, Ron Edwards replaces Pat Williams at tackle, but 10 starters return so coordinator Jerry Gray still should have another strong unit (No. 2 two years in a row). Buffalo's blueprint resembles the Ravens' from 2000 (dominant defense, physical running game, strong special teams) and if Losman plays just OK, the Bills will make the playoffs.
The Big Question?
Of course, the questions in Buffalo pretty much all surround quarterback J.P. Losman, who has only thrown five NFL passes. He's the wild card for this team because the defense looks ready to go and running back Willis McGahee, who rushed for 1,128 and scored 13 touchdowns last season, is set for bigger things this season. Losman has to make plays with the skill players he has offensively for this team to make the playoffs.
Sleeper: QB Kelly Holcomb: If J.P. Losman can't get the offense moving after a few games, Holcomb might get his shot to inject life into it. Holcomb certainly would take advantage of having Lee Evans and Eric Moulds as his wide receivers. All Holcomb would have to do is stay healthy, as avoiding injuries has been problematic.
Bust: WR Lee Evans: Evans was a big-play threat as a rookie, scoring nine touchdowns and averaging more than 17 yards per catch. But with the inexperienced Losman running the offense, Evans won't get as many chances to operate downfield. Evans' numbers could fluctuate.
Of course, the Bills ranked second in kickoff-return average, fifth in punt return average and second in kickoff coverage, while tying an NFL record with five return TDs. Coach Mike Mularkey has always emphasized special-teams play, and motivational mastermind Bobby April designs smart schemes that allow KR Terrence McGee (left) and PR Nate Clements to ignite their explosive moves. The Bills make wedge-busting fun.
Losman could beat Drew Bledsoe in a race with his right foot shackled to a Buick. Know what that will get him? Dinged and dented, if he thinks he can motor all over. The man does have a mighty arm, but it's mighty erratic, too. He's a bit on the short side (6-foot-2) and very much on the green side. In other words, Kelly Holcomb (left) should start getting loose now.
| Team Preview Centers |
| Key Stretch: Weeks 7-11 |
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Oct. 23: at Oakland Oct. 30: at New England Nov. 13: KANSAS CITY Nov. 20: at San Diego |
| Comings & Goings |
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Key Acquisitions: OG Bennie Anderson; OT Mike Gandy; QB Kelly Holcomb; OT Greg Jerman; RB ReShard Lee. Key Departures: |
| Offensive Starters (as of 8/31) |
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RB -- Willis McGahee FB -- Daimon Shelton QB -- J.P. Losman WR -- Lee Evans RT -- Mike Williams RG -- Chris Villarrial C -- Trey Teague LG -- Bennie Anderson LT -- Mike Gandy TE -- Mark Campbell WR -- Eric Moulds |
| Defensive Starters (as of 8/31) |
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LDE -- Chris Kelsay LDT -- Sam Adams RDT -- Ron Edwards RDE -- Aaron Schobel SLB -- Jeff Posey MLB -- London Fletcher WLB -- Takeo Spikes LCB -- Terrence McGee FS -- Troy Vincent SS -- Lawyer Milloy RCB -- Nate Clements • Complete roster |
