Butler still can't stay healthy (buffalobills.com)

The "State of the Bills Roster" series trucks on! If you're new around these parts within the past nine months or so, this series is an off-season progression of posts in which we'll break down Buffalo's roster in-depth. From these discussions, we'll put together a "Community Needs List" in priority order, then begin researching potential free agent and draft acquisitions that will satisfy all of the Bills' needs as we perceive them.

Hey - at least this way, we're doing the job right. Right? Unlike a certain front office we're forced to support.

And now, we continue our foray into heavy-duty off-season work at Buffalo Rumblings. It's our "State of the Roster" series, off-season mode, and we'll continue the discussions by breaking down the Bills' situation on their interior offensive line - the much-maligned centers and their wingmen.

  Previous installments: QB :: RB :: TE :: WR :: OT

Opening statement
There isn't a lot to be said here that hasn't already been thoroughly discussed throughout the season. Buffalo's center play has been lackluster for a number of years now, and though the guard play has been better, it hasn't been great. There is little depth to speak of here. This is clearly the problem area on Buffalo's underachieving offensive line. With three of the five non-practice squad players unrestricted free agents, the time for change is ripe.

#75 Duke Preston (starter, center)
  6'5", 326 pounds
  Age: 27 in June 2009
  Contract status: Unrestricted free agent
- The best that can be said about Preston's 2008 efforts is that he beat out veteran Melvin Fowler for the starting center job during the season, and that he played with some passion while he was in the lineup. Clearly, his actual blocking is lacking however. At this point, Preston's best shot at returning to the Bills in 2009 is as a backup at all three interior spots - and that's not a given.

#66 Derrick Dockery (starter, left guard)
  6'6", 330 pounds
  Age: 29 in September 2009
  Contract status: 5 years remaining (UFA after 2013); owed $26.25M in base salaries.
- When Buffalo's line was struggling to run block and pass protect in the middle of the '08 season, Buffalo's coaches called out Dockery as the man not playing up to snuff. They were right - Dockery, Buffalo's highest-paid lineman, stunk during the critical mid-season stretch. He responded by playing better in the run department late in the season, but when former fifth-round pick Brad Butler is out-playing him, there are issues. Dockery has another season or two to prove that he'll be worth the exorbitant dollars he's scheduled to make as his contract expires; if he doesn't do any proving, he'll likely be released.

#60 Brad Butler (starter, right guard)
  6'7", 315 pounds
  Age: 26 in September 2009
  Contract status: 4 years remaining (UFA after 2012); owed $5.65 million in base salaries.
- Butler once again had a strong season, proving that the modest contract extension that he signed prior to the start of the '08 season was a smart move by the Bills. Butler still missed a stretch of games due to injury, however, also proving that the Bills can't rely on his health for a full slate of games. He's a keeper, but his injury history is one of the main reasons the Bills need to bolster their depth on the interior.

#65 Jason Whittle
  6'4", 279 pounds
  Age: 34 in March 2009
  Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
- He has spent two seasons on Buffalo's roster and has not made an impact in any capacity. He's dealt with injuries as well. Re-signing Whittle would be pretty easy, but if the Bills want to upgrade their depth on the interior - and they certainly should - Whittle's spot is the one that will be upgraded.

#67 Melvin Fowler
  6'3", 310 pounds
  Age: 30 in March 2009
  Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
- Fowler struggled as the starting center in both 2006 and 2007, and was eventually replaced by Preston as the starter this year after Preston got an opportunity thanks to a Fowler injury. With an upgrade at center looming and Preston a more versatile depth option, Fowler is almost certainly a goner.

Other guards/centers on the roster: Brandon Rodd (practice squad)

The Breakdown
Keepers: Dockery, Butler. Their contracts dictate they'll be back. Butler's injury history is a concern, as is Dockery's lethargy and underachieving. Depth is sorely needed here, and it wouldn't hurt for that depth to be a young guy they can develop.

Extendables: Preston I'm not exactly thrilled with the idea, either, but you can do worse than Preston as a reserve. He should not, and likely won't, be re-signed as a starter.

Expendables: None.

Questionables: None.

Goners: Whittle, Fowler. Both are going to be at least 30 next season, and both are rather average, run-of-the-mill players. They'd be cheap to re-sign, but why bother?

What we need: Obviously, we need a starter at center. We need at least one reserve guard as well to replace Whittle and possibly develop to replace Dockery and/or Butler. We'll put Preston's future up to a vote. If you, the Rumblings community, votes down re-signing Preston as a reserve, we'll add a second swing guard to the list. So yes - we could possibly be looking at needing three players at this position, depending on the Preston vote.

That's it. I'm done with the easy stuff. Now it's on you, folks. Who wants to gush some more about Cal center Alex Mack? Or should the Bills try to fill their need at center with a veteran? Have any names of potential additions you'd like to throw into the ring? Have fun with this, and let's get brainstorming.

Over the past week or so, we here at Buffalo Rumblings have begun the grueling off-season process of figuring out exactly where and how the Buffalo Bills need to improve to make a playoff push in 2009. This effort, currently in its initial phase dubbed our State of the Roster series, will eventually culminate in the assembly of a prioritized Community Needs List, where every single need the Bills carry into the 2009 off-season will be made known to those who run the franchise. (At least, that would be awesome.)

I'm the kind of guy that is obsessed with organization and being on the same page as everybody else. So unlike last year, when we ripped through our State of the Roster series and threw our Needs List together once those reviews were finished, this year we're going to keep our Needs List a work in progress as we work through the positional reviews. Thus, we'll begin prioritizing the work we've already done right now.

What follows are the needs we've already identified, the players we've identified as contract extension-worthy, and the players we'd like to see take a hike. If you don't agree with the names or positions on this list, don't feel bad (unless you aren't part of these discussions) - this is a majority opinion. We'll vote on the positions to get as many opinions in as possible, but the prioritization of extensions and expulsions will remain a discussion rather than a vote. So if you're of the mind that extending Fred Jackson is more critical to this team's success than extending Jason Peters, vote in the poll and click on past the jump to read, digest and leave your thoughts on players themselves.

Continue reading this post »

Will Peters get his big extension? (buffalobills.com)

The "State of the Bills Roster" series trucks on! If you're new around these parts within the past nine months or so, this series is an off-season progression of posts in which we'll break down Buffalo's roster in-depth. From these discussions, we'll put together a "Community Needs List" in priority order, then begin researching potential free agent and draft acquisitions that will satisfy all of the Bills' needs as we perceive them.

Hey - at least this way, we're doing the job right. Right? Unlike a certain front office we're forced to support.

And now, we continue our foray into heavy-duty off-season work at Buffalo Rumblings. It's our "State of the Roster" series, off-season mode, and we'll continue the discussions by breaking down the situation at Buffalo's offensive tackles.

  Previous installments: QB :: RB :: TE :: WR

Opening statement
Buffalo's offensive line regressed slightly in 2008 after a strong 2007 performance. Chalk it up to the lack of continuity on the interior - a position we'll get to soon - and the holdout of left tackle Jason Peters. The holdout, the change at center and the injuries on the inside were the biggest reasons that Buffalo's offensive line was shuffling and underperforming for much of the season.

#71 Jason Peters (starter)
  6'4", 340 pounds
  Age: 27 in January 2009
  Contract status: 2 years remaining (UFA after 2010); owed $6.35M in base salaries
- About to participate in his first Pro Bowl - he's been selected two straight years now - Peters' contract squabble will be the talk of the off-season (personnel-wise) until a resolution is reached. Peters is looking for a deal that will make him one of the top paid players at his position. I've gone on record saying that the Bills would be smart to oblige. It'd be nice if Peters could eliminate some of the errors that cropped up this season, but even with those errors, he's clearly one of the most talented players at his position.

#68 Langston Walker (starter)
  6'8", 366 pounds
  Age: 30 in September 2009
  Contract status: 3 years remaining (UFA after 2011); owed $9 million in base salaries
- Walker proved his value to the team this past off-season when he proved adequate playing in Peters' stead at left tackle. He'll always be a guy that struggles with speed rushers, but all players have weaknesses. Walker is a steady veteran presence that doesn't make mistakes often and isn't paid an exorbitant salary. Very solid player.

#73 Kirk Chambers
  6'7", 315 pounds
  Age: 30 in March 2009
  Contract status: Unrestricted free agent.
- The retention of Chambers on the team's final roster had been a criticized move for the past couple of seasons, but Chambers acquitted himself remarkably this past season. The Bills may have inadvertently stumbled upon the "swing" tackle the team coveted, as Chambers proved that he can play well at both tackle positions as well as inside at guard. An unrestricted free agent, the Bills would be wise to re-sign Chambers and the versatility he brings.

#77 Demetrius Bell
  6'7", 307 pounds
  Age: 25 in May 2009
  Contract status: 3 years remaining (UFA after 2011); owed $1.41M in base salaries.
- Buffalo's coaching staff is really high on this kid, but they didn't want to put him on the field in 2008 because they wanted to keep him in their weight program. They think he'll be ready to contribute as a reserve in 2009, and he has the capability to start beyond that point.

#79 Jonathan Scott
  6'6", 318 pounds
  Age: 26 in January 2009
  Contract status: Undisclosed.
- Signed at season's end to fill out the roster when Peters got hurt. Was not active. A talented athlete, Scott hasn't cut it at the NFL level. He probably won't be around for training camp next season, though I wouldn't mind if he was there for competition purposes.

Other tackles on the roster: Chris Denman (practice squad)

The Breakdown
Keepers: Walker, Bell. Walker is just a good player, and he'll be better if he has a good tight end next to him. Bell is an outstanding developmental project that could start producing for Buffalo as soon as next year.

Extendables: Peters, Chambers.. He wants the contract, he needs the contract, he deserves the contract. Give him what he wants - he'll work harder when he gets it. Chambers' versatility is far too valuable to let him walk this off-season, and it'll give the team more time with Bell.

Expendables: Scott, Denman. Neither is really worthy of an NFL roster spot.

Questionables: None.

Goners: None.

What we need: Honestly, I don't think the Bills need to do much work here. Obviously, getting Peters his new deal and re-signing Chambers should be priorities. The Bills won't be keeping more than four tackles next year, and the quartet of Peters, Walker, Chambers and Bell is more than acceptable - it's actually quite good. For the first time this off-season, we've got a position that's pretty much set. Just get those extensions taken care of, Misters Inner Circle.

That's it. I'm done with the easy stuff. Now it's on you, folks. Got any more tough love for Jason Peters to spew? Want to talk more about what a pleasant surprise Chambers has been? Have any names of potential additions you'd like to throw into the ring? Have fun with this, and let's get brainstorming.

I would like to publicly apologize to fans of the Atlanta Falcons and Indianapolis Colts today.  I am a complete epic failure when it comes to correctly predicting playoff games.  It's been an issue for me as long as I've been a fan of the NFL, and said issue reared its ugly head yesterday.  On the contrary, however, I'd like to publicly say you're welcome to fans of the Arizona Cardinals (victors yesterday over the Falcons 30-24) and San Diego Chargers (defeated the Colts 23-17 in OT).

The second day of Wild Card Weekend begins at 1PM EST today; there's nothing more we can do save putting my prediction curse to yet another test.  Here we go...

  
Baltimore Ravens (11-5) at Miami Dolphins (11-5)
1:00 PM EST, CBS
Ravens coverage: Baltimore Beatdown
Dolphins coverage: The Phinsider

Let's just say that I intensely dislike the Miami Dolphins - for obvious reasons.  So let's just say that I'm a little skeptical of Miami's 9-1 finish to the season when they're beating teams like the Broncos, Seahawks, Raiders, Rams, 49ers, Chiefs, Jets, and the biggest joke of all, the Bills.  Meanwhile, the Ravens' defense is killer, they're far more battle-tested thanks to a pretty brutal schedule, and they pounded the Dolphins in Miami earlier this season.  Please, please don't let me be wrong on this one...

Prediction: RAVENS 28, DOLPHINS 17
Familiar Faces: Ravens DT Justin Bannan, S Jim Leonhard, RB Willis McGahee.

  
Philadelphia Eagles (9-6-1) at Minnesota Vikings (10-6)
4:30 PM EST, FOX
Eagles coverage: Bleeding Green Nation
Vikings coverage: Daily Norseman

I honestly don't know how to call this one.  I like Philly's blitzing defense just as much as Minnesota's beefy defense.  I like Philly's passing attack just as much as Minnesota's rushing attack.  This is the most evenly matched wild card matchup in my eyes.  (Now you can expect a blowout!)  In the playoffs, winners are generally able to run and stop the run - see the Cards and Colts yesterday as proof that this theory is true - and I like Minnesota's chances to pull off that formula better than Philly's.

Prediction: VIKINGS 23, EAGLES 20
Familiar Faces: Eagles LS Jon Dorenbos, Vikings DT Pat Williams, CB Antoine Winfield

Yes, folks.  We'll be getting back to what we do best - which is clearly Bills coverage - bright and early tomorrow morning.

The NFL's Wild Card Playoffs begin at 4:30 PM EST this afternoon!  For whatever reason, I'm far more excited than usual for the start of the playoffs this year.  I'm obviously a Buffalo Bills fan first and foremost, but I love getting the opportunity to watch good teams play for keeps - and I especially like the fact that we're going to see some different teams than usual today.

Feel like making some predictions, Rumblers?  I know I do.  This is your open thread for today's games, your predictions for today's games, and anything else playoffs-related.

  
Atlanta Falcons (11-5) at Arizona Cardinals (9-7)
4:30 PM EST, NBC
Falcons coverage: The Falcoholic
Cardinals coverage: Revenge of the Birds

Arizona, as poorly as they've played over the stretch run this season, is going to be a tough out at home.  But the NFL playoffs are about doing two things well - running the football and playing solid defense.  Arizona's D will be fine, but they can't run the ball.  Atlanta can.  If Atlanta can find a way to keep Arizona's solid offense from scoring quickly to open the game, the Falcons should win easily.  If they can't, they'll win the hard way - on a comeback behind their rookie quarterback.

Prediction: FALCONS 27, CARDINALS 20
Familiar Faces: Falcons DT Jason Jefferson, SS Lawyer Milloy, LS Mike Schneck, LB Coy Wire; Cardinals OL Mike Gandy.

  
Indianapolis Colts (12-4) at San Diego Chargers (8-8)
8:00 PM EST, NBC
Colts coverage: Stampede Blue
Chargers coverage: Bolts from the Blue

These are two of the hottest teams in the NFL.  The Colts have won 9 straight after starting 3-4, while the Chargers won 4 straight to close their season with an AFC West Division championship - with a giant assist from our Bills.  This game is a lot tougher for me to call than I expected it would be.  The Chargers beat the Colts in Indy last season in the divisional playoffs, and they always play well at home.  In the end, however, I just like the Colts' running game better, and Peyton Manning will always trump Philip Rivers.

Prediction: COLTS 29, CHARGERS 24
Familiar Faces: DT John McCargo None, but it was a close shave.

Reed's importance displayed in 2008 (buffalobills.com)

The "State of the Bills Roster" series trucks on! If you're new around these parts within the past nine months or so, this series is an off-season progression of posts in which we'll break down Buffalo's roster in-depth. From these discussions, we'll put together a "Community Needs List" in priority order, then begin researching potential free agent and draft acquisitions that will satisfy all of the Bills' needs as we perceive them.

Hey - at least this way, we're doing the job right. Right? Unlike a certain front office we're forced to support.

And now, we continue our foray into heavy-duty off-season work at Buffalo Rumblings. It's our "State of the Roster" series, off-season mode, and we'll continue the discussions by breaking down the situation at Buffalo's wide receiver position.
  Previous installments: QB :: RB :: TE

Opening Statement
In the NFL, wide receivers unsurprisingly tend to go as quarterbacks go.  As a result, Buffalo's receivers as a group were up and down in 2008, largely because quarterback Trent Edwards was up and down.  This receiving corps was certainly better in 2008 than they were in 2007, but that isn't exactly saying much.  There is talent here, but for now, it's being seriously hampered by its collective youth as well as Edwards' own inexperience.

#83 Lee Evans (starter)
   5'10", 197 pounds
   Age: 28 in March 2009
   Contract status: 4 years remaining (UFA in 2013); owed $20.4 million base salaries and $5 million in roster bonuses over the final 3 years of the deal
- He got his big extension this year, and now the Bills have Evans locked up for the prime of his career.  Evans will probably never be considered an "elite" receiver in the NFL, but he's good enough to start for most teams.  He needs more help; Buffalo's two rookies did little to take defenders away from Evans, and even a solid season from Josh Reed didn't help.  Evans should be devastating once a second threat is found; until then, he'll be hot and cold, just as he has been during his entire Bills career.

#82 Josh Reed (starter)
   5'10", 210 pounds
   Age: 29 in May 2009
   Contract status: 1 year remaining (UFA in 2010); owed $2.025 million in base salaries
- Put together a solid season with 56 grabs and established himself as Edwards' go-to target in clutch situations.  People also forget that Reed is barely a year older than Evans; he's got some serious years left in the tank.  He is tops in this receiving corps in the most critical area: knowing how to get open.  With one year left on his deal, the Bills might - probably won't, but it's debatable as to whether they should - look at extending Reed this off-season.

#11 Roscoe Parrish
   5'9", 171 pounds
   Age: 27 in July 2009
   Contract status: 3 years remaining (UFA in 2012); owed $3.05 million in base salaries, $1.5 million in signing bonuses and $1.5 million in roster bonuses
- He'll never be more than a gadget player in this league, but his modest salary and bonus structure is worth it simply because he's the game's most dangerous punt returner.  At this point in his career, however, counting on him to emerge as a viable receiver is a waste of time.  He has a role in Buffalo, but it's only prominent on special teams.

#13 Steve Johnson
   6'2", 210 pounds
   Age: 23 in July 2009
   Contract status: Entering second year of undisclosed, multi-year contract.
- Johnson became a viable option for Buffalo at the end of his rookie season, but let's not get starry-eyed; we're talking about a guy who caught 10 passes this season.  He's got a load of potential, though, and he's got the goods to be a spot contributor in his second year in the league.  To rely on him as anything more as a slot option in spread formations next year is risky business, however.

#81 James Hardy
   6'6", 220 pounds
   Age: 24 in December 2009
   Contract status: Entering second year of undisclosed, multi-year contract.
- Quite possibly Buffalo's biggest disappointment in 2009, Hardy caught just 9 passes as a rookie when the Bills needed much more.  That said, he's still got the raw tools to excel in this league, particularly in the red zone.  It's far, far too early to give up on Hardy at this point, but just like fellow rookie Johnson, to expect a landmark rise in production next year is unrealistic.

#17 Justin Jenkins
   6'0", 207 pounds
   Age: 29 in December 2009
   Contract status: Restricted Free Agent
- As an RFA, Jenkins' chances of returning next season are about 50/50.  He was solid on special teams this past season, but didn't have the impact there that he did in 2007 and found himself inactive on a few Sundays this season.

Other receivers on the roster: Felton Huggins, C.J. Hawthorne (both practice squad)

The Breakdown
Keepers: Evans, Reed, Parrish, Johnson, Hardy.  Yep, all five of 'em.  As a group, their skills are diverse and there's a nice mix of veteran and youth.  I'm not saying that this is a complete receiving corps, but all five have a place on next year's team.

Extendables: None.  Almost put Reed here, and certainly wouldn't mind seeing him extended, but we have bigger fish to fry with next year's money.

Expendables: Jenkins, Huggins, Hawthorne.  Jenkins is a run-of-the-mill special teams guy, and it's certainly not a necessity that he stay.  Hawthorne has practice squad eligibility left, and the skills to contribute at some point; expect him to be stashed again next season.

Goners: None.

What we need: The Bills have five "keeper" receivers in their receiving corps, yet they're still missing a piece.  They need that one veteran guy (not named Parrish) that can contribute as a second or third receiver and allow Buffalo's young, talented receivers - Johnson and Hardy - to develop without being pressured to contribute unrealistically.  I don't want to name names, but I think it'd be a huge deal to lure a guy like New England's Jabar Gaffney into Buffalo.

That's it. I'm done with the easy stuff. Now it's on you, folks. Got any tough love for Evans as a "#1" receiver? Want to talk more about what a pleasant surprise Reed has been? Want to gush over Johnson/Hardy's potential some more? Have any names of potential additions you'd like to throw into the ring? Have fun with this, and let's get brainstorming.

Edwards, Bills turnover happy in '08 (Associated Press)

After starting the 2008 NFL regular season on a 5-1 tear, the Buffalo Bills subsequently lost 8 of their next 10 to finish 7-9 for a third consecutive season.  The collapse nearly led to the dismissal of head coach Dick Jauron, and now that he's been retained for a fourth season despite the team's struggles, Buffalo's fan base has rarely been lower on their organization.

Believe me when I say that I don't expect this article to go over well in an ornery fan base.  So if you feel the need to rip me as a homer, label me the eternal optimist or simply complain some more, feel free.  It won't change one simple fact:

The Bills disappointed in finishing 7-9 in 2008 because they didn't play Dick Jauron football.

(That sound you hear?  It's either heads exploding or folks shifting in their chairs, readying their tirades at their fingertips.)  Allow me to expand, if you will...

"Dick Jauron Football"
First, allow me to speak philosophically: when things are going good for a football team, a certain person's characteristics are generally lauded.  When things are going poorly for a football team, those same characteristics are generally despised.  That's just how it goes.

Right now, "Dick Jauron football" is generally associated with a favorite cliche, "playing not to lose".  Yet in 2006, when the Bills were surprisingly competitive with a roster devoid of talent and J.P. Losman at quarterback, Jauron's style was often described as "smart" because it "kept the Bills in games".

Jauron's philosophy is hardly ground-breaking: win with defense; protect the football; run first, pass second (or, in the current climate, "play not to lose"); make enough plays to win.  Say what you want about that philosophy, but it's pretty straightforward, and Jauron is certainly not the only NFL head coach to employ said philosophy.  The philosophy allowed the Bills to overachieve to 7-9 records in '06 and '07.  The Bills got away from that philosophy this year, and in finishing 7-9 again, they underachieved.  (Or, if you will, they regressed.  Same difference.)

Overachieving versus Underachieving
There's little doubt that considering the ease of their schedule, the Tom Brady injury in New England and the hot start, the Bills should have finished at least 2-3 games better than 7-9 this season.  Why didn't they?  Simple: they couldn't protect the football or force turnovers.

In 2006, Jauron's first season in Buffalo, the Bills ended the year with a -5 turnover differential (forced 24 turnovers, committed 29).  Buffalo's opponents were a whopping 147-109 record-wise that season; the .574 winning percentage meant that Buffalo played the most difficult schedule in the league that season.  All things considered, -5 isn't terrible, and the 7-9 record that year was a surprise.  The Bills were not great in one-touchdown games that season, either, finishing 3-6 in games decided by 8 points or less.

2007 was better.  The Bills ended the season +9 in turnover differential, forcing 30 turnovers and committing just 21 themselves.  The Bills improved in one-touchdown games, going 4-4 in those contests.  Their schedule?  Middle of the pack, but still pretty tough; Buffalo's opponents had a .516 winning percentage in '07.  The positive turnover differential was substantial enough that it allowed the Bills to win more games than they should have, considering their offense - which scored 20 touchdowns all season - was terrible.  In other words, they overachieved.

Things changed dramatically this past season.  Turnover differential plummeted to -8 (a paltry 22 forced to 30 committed), and even though the Bills were still .500 (3-3) in one-score games, the turnover differential killed them in others, particularly in division games (-11 differential).  With a first-year starter in Trent Edwards, a dip in turnover differential is hardly surprising, but the 17-turnover turnaround from '07 to '08 is, in my view, the chief reason the Bills underachieved in 2008.  The worst part?  Buffalo's terrible turnover margin came against the league's second easiest schedule (opponents had a .453 winning percentage).

What needs to change in '09
How can the Bills get back on the winning track in 2009?  Clearly, that can't be answered with one response.  Edwards is going to need to make substantial improvement.  The defense has got to find a way to pressure opposing quarterbacks and make more plays.  And, yes, Jauron needs to do a better job managing the flow of the game on Sundays.  This isn't an acquittal of his coaching errors, which are well-documented.  He needs to improve, too, and I'm confident he'd be the first person to admit it.

I am a firm believer that far too much responsibility for Buffalo's slide is being laid at Jauron's feet.  Again, he's very obviously not blameless, but if I'm blaming anyone, I'm blaming the players' inability to adhere to Jauron's strictest principle: protect the ball.  Minus-eleven in turnovers against your three most hated rivals is disgusting, and it wasn't Jauron turning the ball over.  The most Buffalo lost any of those games by was 13 points in the season finale; those scores are closer and the games far more winnable if the Bills simply protect the ball.  It obviously wouldn't hurt to force a turnover here and there, either.

2009 must be a "get back to basics" year for Buffalo.  Let's be honest - the team overachieved in reaching 7-9 its first two seasons under Jauron.  (I'm still flabbergasted we could finish that well with Losman at the helm.)  They very much underachieved this year; there's very little doubt to that as well.  Buffalo has a tough schedule in 2009, playing the league's best division (NFC South) and the AFC's two best divisions (ours and the AFC South).  It won't be brutal, however, if the Bills play Dick Jauron football.

Protect the ball and force turnovers, folks.  The Bills didn't do enough of either in 2008, and those two facts are the chief reasons we're talking about the off-season on January 2.  Again.

Happy New Year, Rumblers!

Well, 2008 sucked for our Buffalo Bills.  I mean, it didn't suck for a while there, but, you know... we screwed the pooch.  Oh well.  It's becoming a mantra, but we'll say it anyways... "There's always next year."  And now, mercifully, it is next year.

Through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows, every one of you who reads, writes and comments at Rumblings makes putting myself through the agony worth it.  Bills fans rule.

Have a safe, fun and relaxing holiday, folks.  We'll pick things back up bright and early tomorrow morning.  Go Bills!

Royal provides little to offense (buffalobills.com)

The "State of the Bills Roster" series trucks on! If you're new around these parts within the past nine months or so, this series is an off-season progression of posts in which we'll break down Buffalo's roster in-depth. From these discussions, we'll put together a "Community Needs List" in priority order, then begin researching potential free agent and draft acquisitions that will satisfy all of the Bills' needs as we perceive them.

Hey - at least this way, we're doing the job right. Right? Unlike a certain front office we're forced to support.

And now, we continue our foray into heavy-duty off-season work at Buffalo Rumblings. It's our "State of the Roster" series, off-season mode, and we'll continue the discussions by breaking down the situation at Buffalo's tight end position.
  Previous installments: QB :: RB

Opening statement
How long has it been since the Buffalo Bills had a true impact player at the tight end position? If you're looking for relevance as the underlying means to impact, we'd have to venture back as far as 2001, when Jay Riemersma caught 53 passes and scored three touchdowns in a season in which Rob Johnson and Alex Van Pelt started eight games apiece at quarterback. Yes, it's been that bad at this position. This is one area offensively for Buffalo where making improvements this off-season should be the easiest.

#84 Robert Royal (starter)
  6'4", 255 pounds
  Age: 31 in May 2009
  Contract status: 1 year remaining (UFA after 2009); owed $1.44M in base salaries
- Yuck. There are a handful of players whose play and demeanor represents the trifecta of 7-9 records this regime has put up, and Robert Royal is one of them. The little that he does provide to the offense - slightly above average run blocking - is negated by his stone hands and utter inability to make a difference in the passing game. With only one year left on his contract and a modest salary, Royal is one of a handful of players that have "release" written all over them as the Bills enter an off-season in which impact is a must. Needless to say, upgrading over Royal at starting tight end would be a "fresh of breath air", indeed.

#80 Derek Schouman
  6'2", 233 pounds
  Age: 24 in March 2009
  Contract status: Exclusive Rights Free Agent
- I like Derek Schouman. Really, I do. He's one of those players that makes teams better simply because he's a role guy. He