2015 NFL Preview: Bills move all in to snap league's longest playoff drought
AFC Previews
BUF | MIA | NE | NYJ
BAL | CIN | CLE | PIT
HOU | IND | JAX | TEN
DEN | KC | OAK | SD
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Buffalo Bills
| 2014 Record | 2014 Finish |
|---|---|
| 9-7 | 2nd in AFC East/10th in AFC |
Buffalo compiled its first winning season since 2004 on the strength of its excellent defense. However, a dominant pass rush couldn't carry the team to the playoffs, as the Bills fell short for the 15th consecutive year.
Highlight of 2014
Sammy Watkins compiled a number of outstanding catches in his rookie season, none more important than this two-yard touchdown with two seconds remaining to defeat the Minnesota Vikings.
Preseason Power Ranking - #17
There is no team in football for which the preseason is more vital. If a bona fide starting quarterback doesn't emerge, all the Bills' efforts at fortifying their coaching staff and roster may go to waste for another year. More...
2015 Season Outlook
Head Coach: Rex Ryan
Off. Coordinator: Greg Roman
Def. Coordinator: Dennis Thurman
Rex Ryan, who became the Bills head coach in January, will implement a run-heavy offensive scheme that will better suit the team's personnel. New offensive coordinator Greg Roman is a major advocate of the running game, and the Bills traded for 2013 rushing champion LeSean McCoy as an extension of their new philosophy. The Bills led the NFL in sacks last year, and will continue to aggressively attack the quarterback in defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman's base defense. This may be the year Buffalo snaps the league's longest active playoff drought.
Key Additions
- RB LeSean McCoy
- WR Percy Harvin
- QB Matt Cassel
- QB Tyrod Taylor
- TE Charles Clay
- G Richie Incognito
- FB Jerome Felton
Key Departures
- QB Kyle Orton
- RB C.J. Spiller
- TE Scott Chandler
- S Da'Norris Searcy
- LB Brandon Spikes
The acquisition of LeSean McCoy emboldens a switch to a run-oriented offense, and his ability to make defenders miss in space will make up for a subpar offensive line. Percy Harvin and Charles Clay will turn the Bills' long-dormant passing game into a real threat, provided they can receive adequate play at quarterback. The core of a ferocious defense remains intact, and the Bills' unhinged spree in free agency may propel the team to heights it hasn't reached since the turn of the millennium.
Bold Predictions
Bills will reach the divisional round. Buffalo has one of the league's best defenses, an excellent group of skill position players, and an offensive line that could make strides this season. Buffalo's quarterbacks aren't strong enough to push the team to Super Bowl contention, but with Rex Ryan at the helm they will end their playoff drought and earn a victory on wild card weekend. - Justin Boone
Bills will set an NFL record for most rushing yards in a season. After rushing for just 1,482 yards in 2014, the Bills are placing added emphasis on their running game this season. With LeSean McCoy leading the way, the team is in good position to surpass the NFL-record 3,165 yards the Patriots racked up in 1978. - Caitlyn Holroyd
Bills will break the 1984 Bears' single-season sack record. Buffalo's 54 sacks led the league last year, and under defensive coordinator Dennis Thurman's aggressive scheme, the Bills will be even better in 2015. 72 sacks is a lofty target to beat, but with close to a dozen legitimate pass rushers, the Bills will erase the 1984 Chicago Bears from the record books. - Arun Srinivasan