The T.O. Experiment: The Possibilities For The 2009 Buffalo Bills

The 2008 Buffalo Bills season started out with much promise, but like in years past, the season took a turn for the worse in December as the Bills missed the postseason, continuing the despair as the Bills have not made the playoffs this decade. 

The Bills management has tried to make some moves in years past, but they have rarely worked out in the way they expected.  This March, however, the Bills decided to take a dangerous risk and sign the flamboyant Terrell Owens.  The move shocked fans everywhere in the Queen City, and even I cannot understand why Owens would want to play in Buffalo. But I like this move by the Bills, a one year risk that will bring fans to the seats and maybe even a playoff berth. 

 Lee Evans should have a fantastic season, as defenses will be focusing on Owens.  Trent Edwards could be the breakout player for the 2009 NFL season, with defenses having to pick their poison in choosing to double cover Evans or Owens. With Marshawn Lynch being suspended for the first three games of the season, look for Edwards to potentially have his best games of the season, especially with the good weather and Fred Jackson being a great receiver for a running back.

But as we all know, its defense that wins championships.  The Bills defense should be much improved this year.  The main problem last year was getting to the Quarterback.  The Bills looked like they solved this problem, as they drafted the best pass rushing defensive end in the draft, Penn State's Aaron Maybin.  Along with Aaron Schobel and Marcus Stroud, the Bills defensive line now looks very formidable. 

The linebacking corps should be the strong point for the defense.  Paul Posluszny is one of the best young linebackers in the game, and along with solid superbowl veteran Kawika Mitchell, it should be tough for teams to run against the Bills. 

The secondary however, is a question.  The only solid defenders are Donte Whitner and Terrence Mcgee.  All other players are question marks.  Ashton Youboty showed promise in his time last year, as did Ko Simpson.  Draft choice Jairus Byrd is a ballhawking defensive back who can play corner or safety.  If the secondary can hold its own, the defense could be one of the top defenses in the NFL.

The Buffalo Bills special teams unit is the best in the NFL.  Brian Moorman is one of the best punter's in the NFL, and as he showed last year in week 1, he can also throw a pass.  Rian Lindell has been nothing special but reliable, you know what to expect from him.  Leodis Mckelvin will be one of the best kick returners by the end of the year.  Roscoe Parrish has the potential to take any punt for a touchdown, one of the most exciting players in the game today.

The 2009 Buffalo Bills season starts out with much promise.  Whether they can live up to that promise, is a question still to be answered.