2008 Buffalo Bills Season Preview

2008 Buffalo Bills preview from MadduxSports.com. With the AFC East being one of the harder divisions to forecast in terms of nfl point spread success, be sure to have an ace in the hole on your side this season. That ace being Maddux Sports' weekly NFL picks.

2008 Buffalo Bills Predictions
By Adam Barone

Rundown
There could really be something brewing in Buffalo. Former starting quarterback J.P. Losman has given way to second year signal caller Trent Edwards, one of the key members of a bright, shiny, young nucleus that seems like it’s just waiting to explode.

Edwards played in 10 games and only managed to complete 56.1 percent of his passes, but showed signs of being a quality NFL passer.

Feature back Marshawn Lynch caught only 18 balls out of the backfield in his first season, but did top 1,000 yards on the ground and scored seven times. Buffalo says they used Lynch less in the passing game while developing his pass protecting abilities. This season he’s expected to exponentially increase that 18 catches.

Last year’s highly touted second round pick Paul Posluszny broke his forearm in Week 3. He’d already made 26 tackles, 17 solo. He’ll be the main cog in the Buffalo defense that ranked 31st overall last season and could quickly vault himself to the level of Brian Urlacher and Ray Lewis.

Off-season comings and goings didn’t include any marquis names. Cornerback William James, defensive tackle Spencer Johnson, linebacker Kawika Mitchell, and defensive tackle Marcus Stroud were added.

Tight end Michael Gaines, wide receiver Peerless Price, running back Anthony Thomas, defensive tackles Larry Tripplett, linebacker/safety Coy Wire, and cornerback Jason Webster were lost.

If at least two of the trio of Posluszny, Edwards, and Lynch take a step forward expect the Bills fortunes to do the same.

Draft Analysis
The Bills ended up with a total of 10 picks in this year’s draft, looking for some playmakers to help Edwards and Lynch. A losing record in 2007, tough, indicated that they could use an upgrade at most positions.

Leodis McKelvin, their first round selection, should significantly upgrade their secondary. McKelvin is athletic and has experience returning punts.

Second round pick James Hardy, a wide receiver out of Indiana, was seen by many as a first round pick and the second best receiver available. Hardy is 6-foot-6 and, though he lacks elite speed, should be the perfect compliment to Lee Evans.

Three of the ten picks were in the seventh round, so it’ll be interesting to see how many of Buffalo’s rookies actually contribute. Five went to defense, five to offense.

After viewing the Buffalo Bills preview read about their rivals in the AFC East including the Patriots, Jets, and Dolphins.

Related Pages:
Bills Official Site
NFL Betting