In a new feature here on Steelers Gab called “Scouting the Enemy,” we will look at all 15 AFC teams, and give a glimpse of what each one brings. At the end, we will talk about any type of connection they have to the Steelers, including if they play them in 2010.
Today – #15 in the AFC
Buffalo Bills
The Good – C.J. Spiller, the teams first round draft pick, has the makings of being a pretty good NFL back. They have already said they will find a way to get him the ball quite a bit. The team still has Fred Jackson and Marshawn Lynch to carry the ball as well, making this a team that looks like they can be one of the top rushing teams in football. They have a top punter in Brian Moorman, who was given a contract extension before last season. Rian Lindell scored 108 points last year, not missing a field goal from 39 yards in. Chan Gailey should have a more focused team in 2010.
The Bad – This team is a cluster you know what at the QB spot. They have some talent, but no direction. Trent Edwards, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Brian Brohm are all coming in thinking they are the #1 QB, but at the end, they all may have a turn under center before the year ends. If Aaron Schobel retires, which he seems to be leaning towards, it will leave a huge hole at the ROLB spot. Marcus Stroud fell from 13 sacks in 2008 to just 7 last season. The fan base is growing tired of excuses.
Steeler Connection – The teams meet in late November, going at it on the 28th of November at Ralph Wilson Stadium. By then it wouldn’t be a surprise to see the team being 3-7 or at best 5-5. If the Steelers play to up to their level, they should dispose of the Bills when they meet.
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Genny
July 15, 2010 at 7:59 am
Another connection: Bills hired Doug Whaley who was a 10 year director of pro scouting for the Steelers. He is now overseeing the Bills pro personnel department and is the assistant GM.
Paul
July 15, 2010 at 8:42 am
Granted the Bills are looked down on by the rest of the NFL. However I do have to laugh when teams just toss them aside. Do the reporters and fans of other teams realize that the Bills were leading or tied going into the 4th quarter in at least 7 games?
Losing games like is says one thing… bad coaching. Dick Jauron is gone, the new regime will right the ship. As far as the QB position is concerned, all of our QBs played behind a young line that was decimated by injuries. That would not bode well for ANY QB in the league. With everyone healthy and coming back strong… even Eric Wood. The OL should be much better.
With those facts known… look for the Bills to surprise a few teams this. Playoffs? Maybe not, but definitely fighting for a wildcard.
Brendan
July 15, 2010 at 8:55 am
Just a note, Stroud didnt have 13 sacks in 2008 or 7 last year. he fell from 2.5 to 2. Regardless, the bills seem to be floundering on D.
Nick
July 15, 2010 at 10:30 am
Another obvious Pittsburgh connection… HC Chan Gailey was OC for Pitt.
Also on the good, it should be mentioned that the Bills have the best secondary in the NFL by the numbers
Mike
July 15, 2010 at 10:48 am
I’m no Bill’s fan, but playing in Orchard Park is tough. I make the trip whenever the Silver & Black play the Bills, & believe me…those Bills fans rock the place. I saw a fellow Raider fan/friend of mine last time I was there. He was sitting 20 feet away from me. I called him as loudly as I could…I yelled his name at the top of my lungs! Forget it. The place is too loud. He couldn’t hear me. It’s also a stadium where you don’t have to worry about getting stabbed if you wear the opponent’s colors. I like Bills fans. They’ll struggle this year, as their Big Uglies (OL & DL)will struggle. But they usually end up pulling off an unheard of upset or 2 every year.
squash
July 15, 2010 at 11:39 am
It should be pointed out that the bills have the number two ranked passing defense with the same rank in YPG, INT’s, opponents passer rating. Now don’t just say than we will run on them, the Jets rushed for 318 yards in one game and lost to them. Also, Drew Brees had his least productive outing last year against this team. The real flaw on this team is the offensive line and the lack of run production. In spite of this Fred Jackson achieved the fourth highest total combined yards from scrimmage. Now with Spiller the run potential is only improved. So, if the offensive line improves and given the stable of backs, both offensive and defensive teams could get behind and have to face the deepest secondary in the league.