Buffalo's 2009 Season Rests on Number Five's Shoulders

(Photo by Doug Pensinger/Getty Images)

The 2009 season is shaping up to be the test of Trent Edwards.  

After three straight 7-9 seasons, will the Buffalo Bills post their first winning record since 2004? 

Depends on Edwards.

If the Bills don’t make the playoffs this season, it will mark ten years since the "Music City Miracle", their last playoff game. Will they break the streak just shy of a decade? 

Up to Edwards.

So, will Buffalo’s Proposition Five (Edwards’ uniform number) pass by a landslide or be rejected? 

Edwards has two years under his belt, and overall, he has shown both promise and development. The team has gone just 14-18 over that period, but Edwards has a winning record, starting all but two of the Bills’ wins over the two years. 

After playing it safe in his rookie starts, Edwards showed his touch for the long ball more often in 2008. He had 35 passes of more than 20 yards last year and five that went for more than 40 yards.

He has shown poise, leading the Bills to fourth quarter comebacks in weeks two, three and four last season. 

There are red flags, however. He seemed to struggle in poor weather games, which nullifies any Buffalo home field advantage for the stretch run and postseason. 

Following his concussion during week five of last year, Edwards seemed to be a different quarterback. 

He was more likely to cut and run at the first sign of pressure. After leaving the pocket on a run just seven times in his four games, Edwards had 33 runs in his final nine starts.

His questionable decision making also raised concerns about the lingering effects of his concussion. The Monday night game during week 11, where he threw three interceptions in his first six passes, was the low point of his season.

The team has made substantial changes that will simultaneously support Edwards and put him to the test in 2009. 

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