For all the good that Ralph Wilson has done for the game of football, he must have some skeletons in the closet. How else can you explain the constant pain the football gods inflict on the Bills and their fans. Take this year for example. No one, not even Bills fans thought they had a chance at making the playoffs. Then out of nowhere they start the season 4-1 and beat the Patriots for the first time since smart phones were invented. Just as Bills fans allowed optimism to creep back into their psyche, the team collapsed and is now on pace for another losing season. Losing 4 straight Super Bowls is starting to seem like the good ole days.
Believe it or not Bills fans, amidst all this heartache is some good news. For the first time in years the team is actually not in terrible shape and has a core of talented players to build on.
The Corner Stones
WR Stevie Johnson – One of the most impressive things I’ve seen all season was Stevie Johnson fly right over Revis Island. Revis has established himself as a true shutdown corner and has blanketed all of the top receivers in the NFL. Johnson was the first guy to consistently beat Revis in man-to-man coverage. His ability to stem his routes at the line of scrimmage made the Jets superstar look pedestrian. He has the talent of a true number one receiver, but needs to mature to fully reach his potential.
DT Marcell Dareus – I was watching the Bills - Jets game a couple weeks ago and was shocked to hear the announcer say that Dareus really hasn’t lived up to expectations this year. I guess that’s proof that some guys only look at stats to get their ‘knowledge’. Dareus has been everything the Bills expected when they drafted him 3rd overall. He is stout against the run and makes plays behind the line of scrimmage. He could become a Pro Bowler player as soon as next season.
DT Kyle Williams – Another guy who flies under the radar, Williams is one of the best defensive linemen in the league. His 2011 campaign was cut short due to injury but his return in 2012 will benefit Dareus as few players work harder than Williams.
The Supporting Cast
C Eric Wood / G Andy Levitre – The interior offensive line is young and talented. Wood’s season got cut short, but these two should anchor the Bills O-line for years to come. Demetrius Bell has been impressive at LT as well this year and adding one quality player to the mix could make this a top AFC unit.
FS Jairus Byrd – Byrd is a big safety who always seems to be around the ball. After a breakout rookie season, he had a down year in 2010. Byrd has shown flashes this season of the player he could become. As the Bills front seven improves, Byrd will have more opportunities to make plays.
While the aforementioned players should all be considered ‘integral’ to the Bills future, there are three guys that are hard to place.
Wild Cards
RB CJ Spiller - Drafted in the top ten, Spiller has struggled to seize the #1 RB job. A big reason for that is Fred Jackson’s emergence as one of the most complete backs in the league. In 2012, Jackson will be coming off a season ending injury and is already on the wrong side of 30. The verdict on Spiller will be complete after 2012 and either he fizzles out or becomes the dynamic playmaker he was billed as.
CB Aaron Williams – The 2011 2nd round pick has been plagued with injuries in his rookie campaign. His development will be integral to the Bills pass defense and could give Buffalo two solid defensive backs in the starting lineup.
QB Ryan Fitzpatrick - He is one of the brightest quarterbacks both on and off the field. Fitz’s pre-snap adjustments and ability to read coverage has made him successful despite limited arm strength and stature. He’s a guy I’ll always cheer for, and is good enough to win a Super Bowl for a talented team. Unfortunately, I just don’t think he can be great enough to put a team on his back. If the Bills believe they can build a great team around him, then maybe he’s the guy to get them to the big game. If not, they’ll need to draft a quarterback very soon and let him learn from Fitzpatrick whom by all accounts would seem to be a great mentor.
The Bills need to act now. For the first time since the 1900s, they have a core group of talented young players. They’ll have a relatively high draft pick this year and should pick the best player available. If they can get two legitimate starters from this year’s class, they should begin to morph into a contender. Be patient Bills fans. The reign of Brady will soon come to an end and with smart personnel moves the Bills will be in a position to seize the throne.
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