AFC EAST BUFFALO 2014 STRENGTHS: • Explosive offensive playmakers, exceptional cornerback duo Bills Offense The Buffalo Bills offense has plenty of potential with one of the best running games in the league, but a constant carousel of quarterbacks made it impossible for the team to gain any traction in the passing game. It left them ranked 22nd in points scored and 30th in touchdowns. Rookie quarterback EJ Manuel showed signs of promise, but he was limited in training camp and forced to miss several games due to multiple knee injuries. The team also lost veteran Kevin Kolb for the year during preseason and started undrafted rookie free agent Jeff Tuel against the Kansas City Chiefs when third string QB Thad Lewis was injured. Buffalo traded up in the draft to give Manuel another weapon in the passing game. Wide receiver Sammy Watkins cost the team an additional first and fourth round selection but he has the ability to make an immediate impact. Watkins had over 1,400 receiving yards and 12 TDs in his final season at Clemson and has dazzled in practice. Leading wide receiver Stevie Johnson was traded to San Francisco in the offseason, and the Bills brought Mike Williams in via trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Williams will be competing with Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin for playing time. 2014 WEAKNESSES: • Raw & inexperienced quarterback, injury concerns BILLS While the QBs struggled, the running back pairing of CJ Spiller and Fred Jackson proved how dangerous they could be when both stayed healthy. The Buffalo Bills were second in the league in rushing yards with Spiller and Jackson combining for 2,395 total yards. The Bills also improved their offensive line in the offseason by signing Chris Williams to play left guard and drafting Cyrus Kouandjio in the second-round to be their long-term right tackle. One concern is the undisclosed illness that has held left tackle Cordy Glenn out of training camp, but he is expected to return before the season kicks off. Tight end Scott Chandler has appeared in 45 games for the Bills over the last three years, and lead the team in receptions and receiving yards last season. The team also signed Tony Moeaki in hope that the oft-injured tight end can resurrect his career. Offensive Player to Watch Sammy Watkins is one of the most talented players in the 2013 NFL Draft, and the Buffalo Bills cemented their pursuit of the wide receiver by trading up to the fourth overall pick to select him. He’ll add game-breaking speed to one of the fastest offenses in the league. When Watkins, Jackson and Spiller are on the field at the same time, defenses will struggle to play catch up. From his first moments in a Bills jersey, Watkins has generated gasps from Buffalo coaches and fans. He has the size and hands to be an elite receiver. He’ll also get a chance to grow alongside quarterback EJ Manuel in an offense where all of the pressure will not be on them. When the Buffalo Bills get Watkins into the open field, he is going to flash all of his skills, and help transform this offense. Bills Defense The Buffalo Bills have a strong collection of talent on defense, but it did not translate to great success on the scoreboard. Their 24.2 points allowed per game ranked them 20th in the league. All of the pieces appear to be in place for the Bills to succeed. Linemen Mario Williams, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus combined for 30.5 sacks and were all selected to the Pro Bowl. RICK STEWART/GETTY IMAGES SPORT CJ Spiller
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