Bills' 2009 Playbook for the Layperson: ABC's Not X's & O's

The average football fan brain shuts down when the TV pundits start writing X's and O's on the screen, diagramming plays. Those who have actually played football may get it. The rest just wait for the announcers to switch back to English.

Therefore, I will discuss the strategy the Bills need to emphasize in the coming season in language that even the least technically savvy fan will easily comprehend.

Rather than hearkening back to plays that worked last season or specific plays that should work this coming season, we'll talk big picture strategy.

First, coaching decisions must improve.

If Jauron wants to keep his job, he has to make better calls under pressure, needs to take more risks, and go for it on fourth down more often.

Second, use the sand lot approach.

Let the quarterback innovate, use the no-huddle at least some of the time, do some double reverses, fake field goals and punts, do an onside kick in the middle of the game sometime, put in some running plays for the quarterback and some passing plays for the running back (as passer), and be predictably unpredictable.

Third, throw to TO or fake a throw to TO.

Fourth, throw to TO or fake a throw to TO.

Fifth, on the other side of the ball, whatever you have to do, find a way to keep the pressure on the quarterback.

Sacks MUST increase dramatically.

In summary, it can be argued that the offensive line is at least slightly improved and the net effect of offseason personnel changes on the defensive side is a positive.

TO will make Edwards better, and Evans, and Reed, and anyone else on the receiving end of the football.

So...

A. Capitalize on TO.

B. Improvise always.

C. Terrorize on defense.

Nuff said.