Buffalo Bills: The Curious Case of Ryan Fitzpatrick

It is hard not to root for Buffalo Bills quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick.

But recently, for football fans in western New York and Buffalo ex-pats across the country, the admiration has vanished for the Harvard graduate who went from seventh-round pick to backup to starter to $54 million man.

When Buffalo was riding high at 5-2, leading the AFC East after a triumph over the New England Patriots—something not seen on their season resume since 2003—Fitzpatrick easily won the hearts of Bills fans who have been desperate for a leader behind center since Jim Kelly.

Now the Bills have lost seven straight games, and the perennially disappointed fan base faces another winter looking ahead to the draft. You know, those few days in late April that easily have become the most horrifying event for these fans to endure each year, based on the traditionally brainless selections made by Buffalo's front office. 

With two games remaining on the 2011 schedule for the Bills, what's to make of Fitzpatrick's season? Can he ever lead Buffalo to the playoffs? Should a future franchise guy, with undoubtedly more skill be drafted? Where do the Bills go from here?

All questions that must be faced head on and answered before the 2012 season begins. 

Is Fitzpatrick the savior, a guy who will take a sub-par team with holes on defense, lackluster talent in the receiving corp and a multitude of injuries to the postseason?

No.

He's not Peyton Manning, Tom Brady or Drew Brees.

For those of you who are hoping he'll improve next year, in what would essentially be his third full season in Chan Gailey's spread system, keep dreaming.

He won't get any better physically, and after watching his play over the last few months, that's downright scary.

Or is it?

You see, it all comes down to Gailey.

In the latter stages of his coaching career, Gailey has been labeled as an "offensive guru" who simply hasn't been tremendously successful because of the lack of talent he has been provided.

Right now, the Bills roster isn't loaded with elite talent and his quarterback has blatant shortcomings.

While we saw what Fitzpatrick is capable of early in the year, it's time Gailey makes an adjustment. He now knows he has a competent signal-caller who can light up a stat book and scoreboard on occasion; but conversely doesn't possess the accuracy or arm strength to deliver some of the more difficult throws with consistency.

It'd be nice to have a quarterback like Aaron Rodgers; but sorry, guys like him don't grow on trees.

What the Bills' head coach must do is tailor his system to play to Fitzpatrick's strengths, which are his quick release and football IQ, all the while highlighting the running game.

The Fred Jackson injury may become a blessing in disguise for the Bills, as C.J. Spiller has slowly progressed as a more patient runner and dangerous receiver.

For as fun as it was to watch Fitzpatrick throw the ball 40 times for 300-plus yards, he simply cannot sustain that productivity for an entire season. 

That was made quite clear in 2011. 

A two-headed running back system that prominently features Jackson with an occasional sprinkle of Spiller on third down draws or screens would be ideal. Keeping Fitzpatrick under 30 throws a game would be ideal, too. 

Tough for a guy like Gailey who loves the pass-happy, spread-'em-out offense, but in order to return to relevance, he must scale things back. 

Before all that, General Manager Buddy Nix needs to acquire some top-level talent for his head coach. We were all drawn to the handful of undrafted and overlooked players who were leading the team in receptions and touchdowns to start the year, but a premier receiving prospect with star potential is much needed.

A big-name free agent wideout would be fine, too.

This may come as a shock to some of you, but Stevie Johnson would be a fantastic No. 2 option. He hasn't demonstrated much to show me he's a true No. 1. 

I know I'm asking for a lot, but Buffalo's going nowhere without major improvements on defense. There aren't many quarterbacks who could dig their team out of the holes the Bills defense frequently puts the offense in. 

Injuries certainly haven't helped either side of the ball, but is a respectable run defense that difficult to assemble? 

I mean, Buffalo hasn't had a decently stout run defense in quite a while.

The Bills are still on their way back "up", but all is not lost with Fitzpatrick behind center. Then again, if Matt Barkley or Robert Griffin III are available in the draft, I wouldn't hate Nix for pulling the trigger. 

However, when the 2012 season kicks off, we'll all want the Bills to win, as will Gailey. Another poor year, and he could be without a job. 

Using Fitzpatrick as a game-manager with gun-slinger tendencies and a power running game that features an occasional spark is the way to go. 

Maybe then we'll all be pulling for Fitz' once again.