Buffalo Bills 2009 Outlook: It Certainly Can't Get Worse

Don't roll your eyes at that title, folks. Any Buffalo fan, if they really think about it, knows it's true.

Yes, we had seven wins last year, so, from a record standpoint, there is certainly a way to do worse in '09 ::cough:: Lions ::cough::.

But let's think about this for a second. Last three years (all under Dick Jauron), we've ended up 7-9. That is mediocrity at its finest. Second only perhaps to the ubiquitous 8-8. Let me explain.

If The Bills could win just two more games, at least they'd possess the modest dignity that comes with achieving a winning record. If they lost two more, well at least they'd have a better draft pick. But for the last three years we've been stuck with both a losing record and a so-so draft pick. Blah.

Buffalo's off-season was a mixed bag. For each high (Terrell Owens) there was an equal if not greater low (Jason Peters).

We gained Geoff Hangartner but lost Angelo Crowell. Lynch was suspended for three games, but that'll just give Fred Jackson more time to shine...if the Bills would just man up and throw down the cash he deserves already.

I understand the meaning of the word "tight-fisted," but the Bills front office is squeezing so tight they're starting to make their palms bleed. Fred is not asking for an eight-figure salary here, guys. 

To make matters worse, we've got a gaping hole at Left Tackle, the league's "second most important position." Yeah, we got some cool new rooks in the draft, but they're both guards...and they're both rooks.

Buffalo wants to throw Langston Walker over to the left side, and that would be all well and good...if he'd even done a decent job protecting the right.

But, rumor is Buffalo is switching to a No-Huddle offense, which, if Edwards doesn't toss six picks in the first game, could be a wonderful thing.

T.O. is seriously going to take the pressure off Lee Evans, allowing him to be the WR we all know he can be. And both our RBs can catch out of the backfield.

Trent Edwards is in a make-or-break year. My gut feeling is, with all these new weapons (Buffalo also drafted catch-happy TE Shawn Nelson in the fourth round) Trent Edwards will have a successful campaign...as long as he can stay on his feet.

On the defensive side of the ball, things are actually looking pretty rosy. As long as Aaron Schobel can stay away from injury, he and first round pick Aaron Maybin (whom I'm dubbing "The Aaron Brothers", you heard it here first) should finally form that mean pass rush Buffalo is so sorely lacking.

As long as Buffalo's backfield can stay out of prison (see Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson) they should be able to make some noise as well.

My gut feeling: sophomore CB Leodis McKelvin has a breakout year. 

Of course I blew over the biggest off-season addition to the team since Drew Bledsoe: Terrell Owens. The man is a powder keg, in more ways than one.

He can explode on the field and go for 200 yards and three TDs, but he can also explode in the locker room and destroy a team's chemistry. As for my thoughts? The one-year contract was a genius move on Buffalo's part, and truly win/win.

If Owens goes for 1,500 yards and 12 TDs, well, the benefits are obvious. If he destroys the team, starts pointing fingers and making enemies? Well, at least he put butts in the seats and brought Buffalo some much-needed publicity.

And if our record ends up WORSE this season, well, TO gets the boot and Buffalo gets a better draft pick. See? Truly can't get worse.

But, I've been a fan of Buffalo for 20 years. I know how things go. The worst case scenario for the team is usually what happens.

I've gotta be an optimist, and I've gotta believe that Buffalo can and will improve, and that that time is now. But, it is Buffalo, so all optimism will come in moderation.

My prediction for Buffalo's record in 2009: 8-8. Blah.