Seemingly overnight, the Buffalo Bills have gone from a team consistently missing the playoffs, to a powerhouse in the AFC East.
They have grabbed hold of opportunities that have come along this NFL offseason and aren’t showing signs of slowing down.
Last season, the Bills finished with a 9-7 record, and were beginning to improve as a franchise with the groundwork of running back CJ Spiller and an unexpectedly productive season from veteran quarterback Kyle Orton.
After a 2-2 record as a starter, quarterback EJ Manuel was benched, which would end up sparking the 7-5 playoff-missing end to Buffalo’s season. Buffalo made improvements, but knew changes were needed.
When an organisation is not doing as well as expected, the first person blamed is the coach, and Doug Marrone was fired after a season and a half and a 15-17 record. Rex Ryan, who had been recently fired by the New York Jets, replaced Marrone and was charged with turning the Buffalo roster into a playoff team.
To make his job easier, Buffalo’s front office decided to use this free agency to make their team one that could compete with the rest of the AFC.
With the Jets acquiring Brandon Marshall, the Dolphins Ndamukong Suh, and the Patriots re-signing Devin McCourty, the Bills needed to do something about their lacklustre roster. So far, they have been successful in that task, making several beneficial free agent additions.
According to CBS Sports, the Bills have signed two players out of the NFL Top 100 Free Agents for their 2015-2016 squad – former Miami Dolphin Charles Clay, and re-signing Jerry Hughes.
Additionally, although they lost Spiller to free agency, they gained former Philadelphia Eagle running back LeSean McCoy to take his place. Although they have some confusion as to who is going to start as quarterback between Matt Cassel, EJ Manuel, and Tyrod Taylor, once that situation is figured out they’ll have plenty of healthy options to throw the ball to. The Bills now have depth at wide receiver, with last year’s rookie Sammy Watkins, veteran Percy Harvin, 2013 rookie Robert Woods, and recent signings like former Pittsburgh Steeler Justin Brown.
Ryan’s track record in six seasons with the New York Jets included two trips to the AFC Championship, but he suffered constant criticism by Jets fans. However, with a new start, new players, and new organisation, Ryan can prove he is capable of taking an NFL team to the promised land. His relentless defensive coaching style should translate well with the Bills’ defensive end big bodies such as Pro Bowlers Mario Williams, Kyle Williams, and Marcell Dareus.
After this free agency, the Buffalo Bills have the opportunity to go from a team that frequently misses the playoffs, to one that could compete for the Super Bowl.
Taylor Odenat
Roar Rookie
I wrote this article for my blog in March of last year which is why the information seems old, I apologize
Taylor Odenat
Roar Rookie
Thank you for the constructive criticism, its greatly appreciated ill do better next time
Justin Twell
Roar Guru
I feel like this article was written almost a year too late. The regular season that has just finished the Bills finished 8-8, behind both the Jets and Patriots. You said Doug Marrone was fired but this is not true, he actually quit after exercising an out-clause in his contract. You then state in your final paragraph; 'After this free agency, the Buffalo Bills have the opportunity to go from a team that frequently misses the playoffs, to one that could compete for the Super Bowl'. How exactly? Do you know how much cap space they have to work with? Also the first paragraph saying the Bills are now a powerhouse in the AFC East? With the way this article is written you basing this off the last free agency period which makes no sense considering the Bills bought in McCoy and went with Tyrod Taylor as starter and yet still finished 8-8. ''So far, they have been successful in that task, making several beneficial free agent additions.'' When? Almost a year ago? Like I said the free agency period doesn't start until March 10. Sorry to pick so many holes but I was confused by this article.
Bob
Guest
Not sure you could say 15-16 was any better than 14-15 for the Bills. The defence in particular has regressed under Ryan. Jury is out as to whether he is the coach they need.
Taylor Odenat
Roar Rookie
Definitely, Brady and the Patriots find a way year in and year out to top the division but the Bills time will come sooner than later with Rex Ryan coaching Tyrod Taylor throwing, and LeSean McCoy running. Their defense is developing too, I feel they have a chance in a season or two they'll make some real noise.
Albi Mangler
Guest
One can only hope! One problem has been the Patriots continued sucess. Once Brady starts to fall away at least getting divisional title-playoffs becomes a bit easier.