Buffalo Bills Divisional Preview

The Buffalo Bills will have a lot of trouble against fellow AFC East opponents this season after playing a few 3-4 defenses during the preseason.  That, along with the timid play of quarterback Trent Edwards in the no-huddle offense, gives the Bills a lot of concern heading into the regular season.

All other teams in the Bill’s division play the 3-4 and it seems that Edwards hasn’t exactly figured out how to dissect the formation as the team was 0-6 against the division last year.

The blitz packages are more exotic in the 3-4 because the quarterback isn’t sure which linebackers blitz, which ones drop back and the advantage of having a linebacker set up in a three point stance along the defensive line.

It doesn’t get easy for the Bills. They’re opening the season against the New England Patriots in Foxboro on Monday Night Football. 

The Patriots will be better this season, not just because of the return of Tom Brady at quarterback. That helps a lot, but Bill Belicheck always coaches his team well and prepares them for every game. Adding Shawn Springs at back-up cornerback was good because he has a great history of shutting down Terrell Owens during their playing days in the NFC East.

The running backs should be better this season for the Patriots, too. Laurence Maroney is healthy, Sammy Morris provides a good back up and the addition of Fred Taylor helps because his production hasn’t slackened, just look at his per rush average of 3.8 yards.

Taylor chose the Patriots with the idea of winning a championship and with the veteran additions to go along with the players that New England usually develops, it’s looking good that the Patriots will make a run toward the Super Bowl.

The defending division champion, the Miami Dolphins, is one team that I think will not produce like they did last season. Chad Pennington did a fantastic job of resuscitating the franchise last year with his play, but opposing teams know what to expect now and the wildcat formation is something every one in the league has formatted into their own offenses.

The addition of Pat White should put some fear into opposing defenses, but a team isn't going to run the formation too much, so expect White in on about 10-15 wildcat formation plays. A Dolphin’s player that gives the Bills fits is Ted Ginn, the dynamic return man and wide receiver. Greg Camarillo and Devone Bess give the Dolphins a solid receiving corps, along with tight end Anthony Fasano.

The New York Jets are a team that has a new, intense mentality that reflects new head coach Rex Ryan. Ryan has a rookie quarterback in Mark Sanchez, but Sanchez has shown he’s ready to start right away. It’s the defense that Bills fans should be worried about.

Ryan brought over linebacker Bart Scott and defensive back Jim Leonard from Baltimore. They’re two that share that blitzing mentality. Ryan should also help with second-year man Vernon Gholston. Gholston didn’t produce much last year, but Ryan sees him as an unpolished version of Terrell Suggs.

A lot of Bills should give division opponents many fits during the season. Aaron Maybin is learning quickly and early in the season, he should spend the first few weeks of the season rushing the quarterback. He’s has a steep learning curve against the Patriots offensive line in week one. The Jets and Dolphins also have strong offensive lines.

The Bills have a tough division. Some analysts are calling it the toughest division in the NFL. The Bills’ opponents create strong matchup problems, but the Bills' coaching staff is prepared and should have a better showing this season after going 0-6 against the division last year.