Buffalo Bills: Third Time's the Charm, Right?

For the third consecutive year, the Buffalo Bills will don a new uniform. Though the 2012 Nike kit will be similar to the 2011 Reebok kit, a fresh look could change up the old ways of Buffalo.

Last season proved that consistency and depth were the only real things holding them back.

The Bills not only competed with quality football teams last year, they beat them. The AFC Champions were defeated by the Buffalo Bills. And when was the last time New England fell to a Buffalo squad? They even beat the "Dream Team" of the Philadelphia Eagles. However, and as most Bills fans are accustomed to, the glory didn't last long.

So where does the Bills organization find themselves heading in 2012? They put themselves into a great position to make the playoffs. Buddy Nix shook up the football world by landing Mario Williams. The addition of Mark Anderson quickly turned the Bills into contenders. Their defensive line is one of the best around and the offense should be better.

Through Chan Gailey's tenure, the Bills have played some good football. The only thing that hasn't improved under his guidance is playoff appearances.

This is his third year as head coach.

This is judgement time.

The significance of the third year, is that the organization has had enough time to buy into his system. The personnel has been adjusted. Enough time has passed for player development. Being a quality team and missing the playoffs is no longer good enough. This third year will show how good of a coach Gailey is and how good of a team the Bills are.

Reebok never treated the Bills too well. Before 2011, the road jerseys were pretty ugly. In fact, fans wanted the team to wear the throwbacks on a regular basis. Luckily, Nike has taken over the NFL uniforms. That means for the third consecutive year, the Bills will have a new appearance.

Is this pure irony, or a sign that things are destined to go Buffalo's way in 2012?

Number three is the number of harmony, wisdom and understanding. Maybe the number three is symbolic for Buffalo, maybe not. Even if there is no symbolism or significance of Gailey's third year or the third different jersey in three years, it is worth pondering.

Maybe a 13-3 record would be fitting in 2012.

Nah, probably 2013.