Postseason Or Bust: One More Chance

Dick Jauron must be seeing a chiropracter weekly to help his back. He has to be, because the fact is he is carrying one of the biggest weights of the NFL this year on his back.

Following three straight 7-9 seasons, a new high profile WR, and add to that a franchise that has not been to the playoffs since 1999, this is a make or break year for Jauron, and likely most of the coaching staff as well.

That is not a burden I would like to be carrying around with me, luckily I do not have the pleasure of doing so, I do however have the pleasure of writing about it.

It's no secret that to continue to coach beyond this year, Jauron will have to lead this team to the post season this year. These are the expectations of not only the players, coaches, owners, but also the fans.

In a conference featuring some of the most dominant teams within the past couple years however, it is a daunting task ahead for the Bills. Being that Tom Brady is returning for the Patriots with a Superbowl or bust attitude, and the defending AFC east champion Dolphins are improving from last year, a wild card berth seems to be the expectation in Buffalo.

Being that a wildcard berth is expected this year, lets take a look at some of the factors that could casuse the Bills to fall short of this goal.

1. Poor Offensive Line play: It is no secret, some have questioned the Bills decisions to trade LT Jason Peters, and hedge their bets with two unproven rookies to man the Interior.

2. Poor Pass Rush: The bills will struggle if they don't get more production from DE's Aaron Schobel, Chris Kelsay, and 11th overall pick Aaron Maybin. It's no secret since the Giants upset the Patriots in the Superbowl, getting pressure on the quarterback helps win games.

3. Injuries: I'm talking to you Trent Edwards. Without the Bills signal caller on the field for a majority of this season, the Bills will struggle. They are talented enough that they can survive injuries to other spots on the Field. Trent Edwards must stay healthy, plain and simple.

Here are three factors that could cause the Bills to contend for the AFC east crown.

1. Air Assault: With one of the most talented receiving groups in football, T.O. and Lee Evans could help produce some serious points.

2. Red Zone efficiency: An area that has plagued the bills the last couple years, and the reason they have had three straight 7-9 seasons. You don't get to be the caliber of the Patriots, by settling for 3 instead of 7 inside the red zone.

3. X-factors: Special teams, Sleeper pick TE Shawn Nelson: I think the Bills will have a suprising season to most if they can get these two areas perfected. The Bills special teams have been some of the best in the league the past few years.

If Nelson, who many draft analysts determined was a steal in the 4th round can stay healthy, he could find himself being the TE the bills have wished for the past couple years, with teams likely to focus on Evans and Owens on the outside, Nelson could find himself running wild in the middle.