Attention Buffalo Bills Pessimists: Be an Optimist This Year

Most sports fans say that they've been a fan of their favorite team since they were born.  That doesn't exclude me by any means.  However, my team has been the Buffalo Bills, and that separates me from the rest.

Few other teams have been as depressing over the past decade as the Buffalo Bills have been (honorable mention to the Lions, Browns, and Bengals).  Being a Bills fan is to truly understand depression.

The beginning of each year starts out the same for most fans.  The draft goes well, and there is an overwhelming sense of optimism despite all the signs of another average year.  Of course, why should this year be any different?

Everything is happening the way a mediocre team's offseason should go.  Marshawn Lynch is suspended for the first three games, the offensive coordinator was just fired, and Alex Van Pelt—a man who has never called plays before in the NFL—is the Bills new offensive coordinator.

It should be noted that Van Pelt did call the offensive plays for the Frankfurt Galaxy in 2005, so to say that he has no experience is inaccurate.

But this season, there is optimism that the Bills may have a good season, despite everything working against them.  This season, the Bills may actually make it to 10-6. Their losses will come from New England, New Orleans, Miami, Carolina, Tennessee, and Atlanta (Indianapolis will rest their starters in week 17 with a likely AFC South title).

There are many things to be hopeful for if you're a Bills fan.

First off, the Bills had a major offseason acquisition in Terrell Owens. 

Most agree that Owens is out of his prime and he's a locker room killer.  But the problem with the first argument is that the Bills don't need Owens in his prime.  All the Bills need is a legitimate weapon on the opposite side of Lee Evans. They don't need a Larry Fitzgerald.

The problem with the second argument is that he's only here for one year.  He's playing for a new contract, whether it's with Buffalo or another team, so Owens will play to win and keep his mouth shut.

Second, Alex Van Pelt is the new offensive coordinator. 

Most of you are probably scratching your heads right now at that one.  Last year under Turk Schonert, the Bills offense ranked 25th in the NFL.  Even if Van Pelt can't muster up the same amount of offense that Schonert did, they can't fall much further.

But Van Pelt is a former quarterback who played with Jim Kelly under the K-Gun offense.  He understands the risks involved with down-the-field throwing but knows that it's necessary, and he will allow Edwards to win games, not manage them.

It should also be noted that Ralph Wilson recently met with Jauron and Van Pelt, no doubt to tell them that if he paid for Lee Evans and Terrell Owens, they had better put them to good use this season.

Third, Jauron knows he's on the hot seat. 

He may not even last to the mid-season mark if he doesn't start off strong.  Jauron will have to deviate from his conservative ways and place his trust in Van Pelt and Trent Edwards.

Fourth, the depth on the Bills roster is fantastic. 

Fred Jackson will start the first three games at running back to fill the void left by the suspended Lynch.  When Lynch returns, his "Beast Mode" will be up and running, and he will be fresher down the stretch.

The secondary is the deepest it's been in years, and any absence will be quickly filled.  It's still unknown who will be the nickel because Drayton Florence, Reggie Corner, and Ashton Youboty have all played very well.

The wide receivers are some of the best weapons, whether for the offense or special teams.  Josh Reed proved to be "Mr. Third Down" last year amid years of dropping very catch-able balls.  Reed may actually have one of the best seasons among the WRs, as most secondaries will be focusing their attention on Evans and Owens.

Justin Jenkins is a special teams stud, and despite the lack of attention that special teams receives, it is a very big deal to the Bills defense.  It is no easy task to march 80 yards down-field to score a touchdown.  With Moorman's punting and Jenkins' coverage ability, those 80-yard drives to the endzone may be few and far between.

Lastly, the defense has looked strong in the preseason.  Aaron Maybin seems to be OK with the pass rush, the secondary has been pulling in the interceptions, and the run defense has been stellar.  As much as no Bills fan wants to rely solely on the defense, the defense may be stout enough to keep them in those tough games this year.

This is the year for Jauron and Edwards to either make things happen or find new jobs.  The Bills certainly have a tough road in front of them this season, but there are a lot of things to be hopeful for. 

All you have to do is Bill-ieve.