20-Nov-2009 18:05pm
 
Buffalo
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Buffalo Bills
Quarterbacks: Running Backs:
Wide Receivers: Tight Ends:
Defense: Kickers:
OFFSEASON GAINS AND LOSSES

The Bills have some holes to fill along the offensive line, losing All Pro tackle Jason Peters, Duke Preston and Derrick Dockery. The Bills did add two offensive linemen in the first two rounds of the draft to help offset some of their losses. They also signed guard Seth McKinney and center Geoff Hangartner. The Bills should have a new look offensive line for the coming season.

The biggest news for the Bills during the offseason was signing Terrell Owens. The problematic receiver has some concerns, but brings obvious upside to the Bills. He gives them a top receiver to pair with Lee Evans, giving the Bills a great one-two punch at receiver. Owens gives the Bills passing game a whole new look, which should translate to good things for everyone involved - as long as Owens stays happy.

STRENGTHS

It was tough to throw on the Bills last season and we expect more of the same this season. Buffalo did lose Jabari Greer, but still have Leodis McKelvin and Terrence McGee left as starting cornerbacks. Both are playmakers and capable shutdown corners. And the Ko Simpson and Donte Whitner are two of the better safety tandems in the game. Both do well in run support and pass coverage, making plays all over the field.

WEAKNESSES

The Bills had some struggles stopping the run last season, allowing 121.6 yards per game (ranked 22nd). Tackle Marcus Stroud did well against the run, but didn't get much support. And Buffalo didn't do a whole lot to shore up this deficiency during the offseason. So unless some players step on the defensive side of the ball, expect more of the same against the run this season for the Bills.

Buffalo got some more weapons for quarterback Trent Edwards, but Edwards remains somewhat of a concern. He has struggled to stay healthy some the last few seasons and continues to take few chances downfield. That will need to change of the Bills offense hopes to take a step forward this season. Edwards has some ability and upside, but needs to start making more plays. He certainly has the talent around him to take his game to a new level this season.

OUTLOOK

The Bills added some more talent, especially offensively, so don't count them out to challenge for a playoff spot. A lot will depend on the progression of Edwards. If Edwards can make some strides in the passing game, this team can make the playoffs.

TEAM NOTES
Nov 20, 03:23 PM Buffalo Bills LB Nic Harris (ankle) fully participated in practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is not on the injury report for Week 11 and is expected to play.
Nov 20, 03:03 PM Buffalo Bills FS Jairus Byrd (groin) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is listed as questionable for Week 11 but is expected to play.
Nov 20, 03:03 PM Buffalo Bills OT Demetrius Bell (knee), LB Keith Ellison (thigh) and CB Ashton Youboty (ankle) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 20. They have been ruled out for Week 11.
Nov 20, 03:03 PM Buffalo Bills CB Terrence McGee (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is listed as questionable for Week 11 and is not expected to play.
Nov 20, 03:03 PM Buffalo Bills WR James Hardy (groin) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is listed as questionable for Week 11.
Nov 20, 03:03 PM Buffalo Bills DT Kyle Williams (knee) was limited during practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is listed as questionable for Week 11 but is expected to play.
Nov 20, 02:53 PM Buffalo Bills WR Roscoe Parrish (illness) fully participated in practice Friday, Nov. 20. He is not on the injury report for Week 11 and is expected to play.
Nov 20, 02:53 PM Buffalo Bills DT Marcus Stroud (knee) did not participate in practice Friday, Nov. 20. He has been ruled out for the team's Week 11 game.
Nov 19, 11:23 PM Buffalo Bills S Bryan Scott will remain at strongside linebacker due to the injury to LB Keith Ellison (thigh).
Nov 19, 11:23 PM Buffalo Bills QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will likely start for the rest of the 2009 season.

Fantasy Impact: He isn't much of a fantasy option, though. His numbers haven't been very good in a starting role.
Nov 19, 11:33 AM Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports Buffalo Bills OG Andy Levitre will start at left tackle in Week 11, replacing injured OT Demetrius Bell (knee).
Nov 19, 11:23 AM BuffaloBills.com reports the Buffalo Bills have released QB Gibran Hamdan.
Nov 19, 10:46 AM Greg A. Bedard and Tom Silverstein, of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel, report the Buffalo Bills have signed QB Brian Brohm off the Green Bay Packers' practice squad, according to a source. Terms of the contract were not disclosed.

Fantasy Impact: Brohm probably is better off landing with a new team, but don't expect him playing any time this year.
Nov 18, 02:23 PM Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports Buffalo Bills interim head coach Perry Fewell said QB Ryan Fitzpatrick will start in Week 11.

Fantasy Impact: Not a good sign for Trent Edwards. Fitzpatrick is a big-time reach for fantasy teams.
Nov 18, 11:23 AM Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports the Buffalo Bills have signed free-agent TE Joe Klopfenstein (Rams). Terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Nov 18, 11:13 AM Chris Brown, of BuffaloBills.com, reports the Buffalo Bills have placed TE Derek Fine (knee) on Injured Reserve.

Offseason Keys

Additions:
Dominic Rhodes, RB; Seth McKinney, G; Patrick Thomas, LB; Terrell Owens, WR; Drayton Florence, CB; Geoff Hangartner, C; Ryan Fitzpatrick, QB; P.K. Sam, WR; Marvin Philip, C. 

Losses:
Jason Peters, T; Duke Preston, C; Angelo Crowell, LB; Jabari Greer, CB; Robert Royal, TE; Derrick Dockery, G. 

2009 Draft Class

RoundPickPlayerPos
 # 1  11 Aaron MaybinDL
 # 1  28 Eric WoodOL
 # 2  10 Jairus ByrdDB
 # 2  19 Andy LevitreOL
 # 4  21 Shawn WilsonTE
 # 4  21 Shawn NelsonTE
 # 5  11 Nic HarrisDB
 # 6  10 Cary HarrisDB
 # 7  11 Ellis LanksterDB
 Undrafted Ashlee PalmerLB

2009 Schedule

WeekDateTimeOpponent
1     Sep 14 7:00PM      at New England
2     Sep 20 4:05PM      Tampa Bay
3     Sep 27 4:05PM      New Orleans
4     Oct 4 4:05PM      at Miami
5     Oct 11 1:00PM      Cleveland
6     Oct 18 4:15PM      at New York Jets
7     Oct 25 4:05PM      at Carolina
8     Nov 1 1:00PM      Houston
-- Week 9 Bye --
10     Nov 15 1:00PM      at Tennessee
11     Nov 22 1:00PM      at Jacksonville
12     Nov 29 1:00PM      Miami
13     Dec 3 8:20PM      New York Jets
14     Dec 13 1:00PM      at Kansas City
15     Dec 20 1:00PM      New England
16     Dec 27 1:00PM      at Atlanta
17     Jan 3 1:00PM      Indianapolis