Ryan Fitzpatrick: Shave the Beard, Cut Down on Interceptions in 2012

He is no Brett Keisel. He is no Matt Light. He sure as heck isn't close to Johnny Damon in his prime. What's the connection? Beards have—seemingly—helped these players compete for championships. Ryan Fitzpatrick's has done no good and looks flat out odd.

Playoff beards are meant for, well, the playoffs. Fitzpatrick and the Bills would know little about that. While Fitzpatrick looks more like a caveman than an NFL quarterback, let's get serious here. His six year, $59 million contract ensured that he is the franchise's quarterback. Now it's time that he plays like it.

The Buffalo Bills started the 2011 NFL season with a 5-2 record, yet finished 6-10. Fitzpatrick was hot and kept the Bills in playoff contention while playing at a Pro Bowl level. Clutch victories over the Oakland Raiders and New England Patriots got the nation's attention back on Buffalo. While they collapsed from there, one key statistic can imply why they finished how they did.

Through the first seven games, Fitzpatrick threw six interceptions. Not a great number, but he kept Buffalo competitive and they were winning games. In the remaining nine games, he threw 16 interceptions. While tipped balls and a lack of solid receivers contributed, he simply needs to play better.

Buffalo has been a streaky team under Fitzpatrick's guidance. When they are hot, they can compete with any team in the league. Unfortunately, the NFL has seen too much of a mediocre Fitzpatrick and some lousy performances. Fitzpatrick has shown that he can be the quarterback for the Buffalo Bills. However, we the fans just need to see more of it on a consistent level.

The Bills play in a tough division, but Fitzpatrick has defeated Miami, New York and New England before. He can make a beautiful play, and then a forced ball will be intercepted the next. Quarterback coach David Lee has been brought into Buffalo to develop Fitzpatrick's fundamentals and mechanics. Buddy Nix and Chain Gailey were brilliant by hiring Lee to help their quarterback improve.

Ryan Fitzpatrick has shown that he can play in the NFL. In 2011, he threw for over 3,800 yards. With better mechanics and better receivers to throw to, he has the potential to lead Buffalo to the promise land. He loves the city and the fans embrace him as well.

The best thing Ryan Fitzpatrick can do is shave that hideous, God-awful beard off of his face for good. Once that is taken care of, Buffalo has provided Fitzpatrick with the developmental coach he needs to make him successful in 2012. If he can get going, the Bills may have something to play for in late December of 2012.