Monday, January 04, 2010

The 2009 Buffalo Bills

I was in India for a good portion of the season, so I didn't have many chances to watch this team. The Bills went a disappointing 6-10 in '09. Dick Jauron was fired mid-season. Perry Fewell took over and was let go at the end of the season. Fewell was never given a chance. There was really no reason to fire Jauron in the middle of the season. It was too late to make a playoff run at that point and rarely does a couching change induce that kind of turn around.

Trent Edwards didn't improve as the Bills quarterback. He again struggled after suffering a concussion. Ryan Fitzpatrick played quarterback more than Edwards did and wasn't any better. Edwards should probably be given another year to see if he has what it takes, but a back up plan for the position must be considered.

The big story was the arrival of Terrell Owens. The 36-year old future Hall of Famer had 55 catches for 883 yards. He scored 6 TDs, 5 receiving. Lee Evans had a subpar year with only 44 catches for 612 yards and 7 TDs. Marshawn Lynch struggled terribly after serving a 3 game suspension. He rushed for only 450 yards all year. Fred Jackson was the story, earning his first career 1,000 yard season.

On defense, Jarius Byrd tied for the league lead in interception with 9. Aaron Schobel had 10 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. The Bills special teams was solid.

The team will have a completely new coaching staff for the Twenty Ten season. To make the playoffs, however, Buffalo will need to improve on the offensive side of the ball, particularly the line.

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