Starting this morning, with the first of two consecutive two-a-days, the Buffalo Bills will begin their quest for the first playoff berth since 1999. Only Detroit, which made the postseason that same year, has had a drought that long in the entire NFL.

Expectations are high for Buffalo with coach Dick Jauron’s job likely hanging in the balance and the specter of a move to Toronto looming.

The controversial signing of 35-year-old wide receiver Terrell Owens has generated plenty of interest and a seemingly solid draft figure to make the Bills a better team than the 7-9 squads of the past three seasons.

But at this time of year, all 32 teams feel that this is their time.

Could it be for the Bills?

Here are five questions each for the offense and defense that must be answered.

OFFENSE

1. Is Trent Edwards the Bills’ quarterback of the future?

In 23 starts, he’s 12-11 and as his passer rating goes, so goes Buffalo.

In 10 of his 12 wins, Edwards’ rating was at least 81.0 but only once in those 11 losses was his rating over 79.3.

And, oh yeah, in December he’s 1-4.

2. Can the offensive line be the unit Jauron hopes?

Gone are All-Pro left tackle Jason Peters (traded to Philadelphia), bust guard Derrick Dockery and less-than-mediocre center Melvin Fowler (both released).

No starter returns in his former position. Right tackle Langston Walker has moved to the left side and right guard Brad Butler has switched to right tackle. Free agent signing Geoff Hangartner takes over at center with rookie draft choices Eric Woods and Andre Levitre favorites at guard if they beat out journeymen Kirk Chambers and Seth McKinney.

3. Will Owens fit in?

His numbers are impressive, a penchant for drops notwithstanding, but T.O.’s all about T.O., rarely talking about the Bills as a team. That’s a red flag. And though his role is supposed to be taking the double teams off No. 1 wideout Lee Evans, do you really think Owens will accept that role?

4. What about tight end?

Buffalo hasn’t had a player at that position catch more than 34 balls since 2001 when Jay Riemersma grabbed 53. Since then, Mark Campbell, Tim Euhus, Ryan Neufeld, Robert Royal, Kevin Everett, Brad Cieslak, Derek Schouman and Derek Fine haven’t produced.

Will draftee Shawn Nelson be the answer?

5. Has Marshawn Lynch figured it out?

He’s rushed for 2,151 yards and 15 touchdowns in two seasons, but has made more news off the field. Will a three-game suspension get his mind right?

DEFENSE

1. Will the pass rush improve?

Last year, Buffalo’s 24 sacks ranked 29th in the league and was the Bills’ worst total in 19 years.

Part of the reason was that end Aaron Schobel, who averaged nearly 10 sacks a year, had only one as he missed 11 games with a foot injury. He’s now 100 percent and figures to get help from No. 1 draft choice Aaron Maybin, the pass rush specialist from Penn State.

2.Who’s the real Paul Posluszny?

An incredible source of big plays for Penn State, he missed all but three games of his rookie season with a broken arm. But last season, a fully healthy “Poz,” averaged eight tackles (solos and assisted) with one interception, one fumble recovery, one forced fumble and no sacks. Even defensive coordinator Perry Fewell admits his middle linebacker needs to make more big plays.

3.Who will be the nickel back?

Terrence McGee and last year’s top draft pick, Leodis McKelvin, are the starters. Injury-prone Ashton Youboty, impressive second-year pro Reggie Corner and veteran Drayton Florence will battle for the No. 3 spot.

4. And the safeties will be?

The Bills hope that rookie draftee Jarius Byrd, a ballhawk corner in college, can make the switch to free safety, freeing Donte Whiter to return to his natural strong spot. Former free safety Ko Simpson has fallen into disfavor. Bryan Scott and George Wilson are also in the mix.

5. What about outside linebacker?

Undersized Keith Ellison (6-1, 229) starts on the strong (tight end) side, but the Bills want to upgrade that spot, so another undersized player, Alvin Bowen (6-1, 222), who missed all of last year with an injury, and draft choice Nick Harris (6-2, 232) will get their shots.

(Chuck Pollock, the Times Herald sports editor, can be reached at cpollock@oleantimesherald.com)

Reader Comments

There are 4 comment(s) comments to this story.
The following are comments from the readers. In no way do they represent the view of bradfordera.com.

RKT wrote on Jul 26, 2009 2:29 PM:

" The answer to all your questions is unfortunately...NO. Another 7-9 season and Terrell moving on to another team after a disharmonious season. "

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james wrote on Jul 26, 2009 3:15 PM:

" Love your articles, always very well written and a break from the normal hype.

I do believe that they are talking about putting Whitner at Free Safety and Scott at Strong. And it would be amiss if you didn't mention DiGiorgio in the mix for the strong side linebacker spot as well.

Either way, the important message is, keep up the excellent writing, its appreciated! "

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Mike wrote on Jul 28, 2009 9:14 AM:

" DiGiorgio failed a physical and was waived.

The "hope" is that Byrd will emerge at FS and Whitner can stay at SS. However, if Byrd struggles in camp or the coaching staff feels he is not ready(due to his ongoing holdout) Whitner and Scott will likely man the FS and SS respectively.

I would really like to see Nic Harris take over the Strong side LB spot. I think this kid has the tools to bring some more production and big play ability that Ellison lacks. "

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FedUp wrote on Jul 29, 2009 10:46 AM:

" Yeah Chuck, this could be the Bills year, you never know. I always stay optomistic! Trent Edwards will be our qback of the future BUT he can't win games all alone. Every guy out there is a professional with a job to do. If they all do their jobs, pull together, stay somewhat healthy, and remain humble they have a chance to win the AFC East. There is no team in the division that good to run anyone else off the field. I will be curious to see how Miami is this year. Take care all and Let's Go Bills!!! "

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