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2011 AFC EAST PREDICTIONS (LOCKOUT EDITION): BUFFALO BILLS, 4TH PLACE

By Jaboner Jackson 9:30 pm | Last week, we rounded up the 2011 AFC West Predictions.  Today we jump to the AFC East, where snow, rain, and the Tuck Rule reign supreme.  While others may be reluctant to prognosticate with the NFL Lockout in full effect, we have no qualms.  Sorry Bills fans…you are once again coming in last in the division.  At least you won’t be moving to Los Angeles and Farmers Field.

Free Agency

Even though the Bills would like to retain Safety Donte Whitner to maintain a strong passing defense, they will lose Whitney to free agency as he looks to jump for more money and more wins.  They will also let several other free agents leave, including linebacker Akin Ayodele, cornerback Drayton Florence, and defensive lineman John McCargo.

Meanwhile, linebacker Paul Posluszny will be back if for no other reason that the lockout will make it difficult to add a new linebacking crew.  Although Posluszny is solid, he has not been dominating either on tape or in the stats department.  New inside linebackers coach, Dave Wannstedt, will give him an opportunity to continue to lead a poor run defense.

Offense

The Bills will enter the 2011 season with Ryan Fitzpatrick as their starting quarterback, who has shows poise in the pocket and the ability to make smart decisions.  Rather than drafting a quarterback in this year’s draft, the Bills decided to stick with what they have. Fitzpatrick will continue to put up solid numbers and be a solid NFL quarterback in Chan Gailey’s offense.  Fitzpatrick will continue to rely on Lee Evans on the edge and will continue to build rapport with Steve Johnson.  The Bills will need Marcus Easley to step it up but he will remain inconsistent in 2011.

C.J. Spiller will improve from his rookie campaign but Fred Jackson will remain the primary yard getter on the ground.  Thankfully, the offensive line will gel in 2011 after a promising campaign last year.

Defense

The Bills went defense in the draft, fortifying their front line with the best player in the 2011 NFL Draft when they selected Marcell Dareus.  The Bills shored up the inside linebacking crew with Kelvin Sheppard in the third round but stopping the run will continue to be a sore point for the Bills in 2011, which does not bode well in a division known for exploiting weaknesses.  The secondary, despite the departure of Whitner, will be better than average.

Final Thoughts

The Bills are a decent team but they play in a killer division.  Fitzpatrick has the potential to be a good quarterback but when playing in the same division as Tom Brady, players need to be more than just good.

Prediction, 6-10, 4th in the AFC East (and not moving to Los Angeles)

jaboner@footballphds.com