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Marvin Dockery

NFL Predictions: Buffalo Bills 2007 Preview

The Bills finished 7-9 last season, losing five games by three points or less. Buffalo has some Young talents like WR Lee Evans, QB JP Losman and SS Donte Whitner. But they lost much of its core of veterans, including CB Nate Clements, MLB London Fletcher-Baker, SLB Takeo Spikes and RB Willis McGahee. So where does that put Buffalo in 2007?

OFFENSE

QB JP Losman has a strong arm, able to make all the throws. It is able to avoid the rush and can make plays on the run. But it is still young and have to work on recognizing coverages and not block to a receiver. Losman also needs to learn to throw the ball away and not force throws.

At running back, Willis McGahee is off to Baltimore. Enter rookie first-round draft pick Marshawn Lynch. Lynch has a great mix of size (5-11, 215), speed and power. It is solid in pass protection and can also outdoor play as a receiver. Lynch is difficult and rarely goes down on first contact.

Lee Evans is launching the individual at the receiving corps. Evans is a receptor big-play who caught six passes for 40 yards or more in '06. He has great speed and is deadly in a double-move route. Peerless Price, Josh Reed and Roscoe Parrish, someone has to increase to maintain constant Evans doubles teams face. TE Robert Royal set career bests in catches (23) and yards (233) in '06.

The Bills are hoping that improved their o-line with the additions of guard Derrick Dockery and tackle Langston Walker on the right. LT Jason Peters is a player in place, forming a solid team with Dockery left. Duke Preston started the second half of '06 at right guard, but improvements are needed if you expect to keep starting job. Marvin Fowler Center is a bit lower and routinely outmuscled by big tackles.

DEFENSE

On the line, Pro-Bowl the right end Aaron Schobel recorded a career-high 14 sacks last season. Chris Kelsay and Ryan Denney round out a hardline, aggressive front. Antonio Hargrove and Larry Tripplett will also see extensive playing time up front.

This unit received a blow when he lost Fletcher-Baker and Spikes. Second Round Paul Posluszny will the average man. It's smart, fast and can make plays all over the field. Angelo Crowell will move towards the strong side, which should suit your skills. Keith Ellison will replace Crowell on the weak side.

The Bills lose a lot of CB Nate Clements. Terrence McGee is now the number one corner. 2006 Ashton Youboty third round will be intensified. He played in only three games last season, but a good athlete whose cover skills must improve. " Kiwaukee Thomas, on the corner last year, nickel, also have to improve.

The Bills started two safety devices as a rookie last season, Donte Whitner and Ko Simpson. Whitner is a physical run stopper and Simpson is the man with deep knowledge covering big dance.

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT

Pro Bowl punter Brian Moorman is phenomenal. It makes a great hang time and is an excellent kicker direction. Kicker Rian Lindell, kicker more accurate in the history of the Bills, hit 23 of 25 FG attempts last season and has made all attempts of his 224 career PAT. McGee finished with a 26.1 kickoff return average Solid yards. Parrish was third in the league with an average punt return yards 11.4.

PREDICTION

The Bills no have made the playoffs since '99. That streak will not end this year. Losman is still a work in progress, as is the o-line. And Lynch has to show the true business. The defense also stepped back. This team has some young talent and good, but needs more time to mature. Expect a 5-11 record and finished last place in the AFC East.

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Archie Shepp Quartet , Theaterhaus Jazztage 1990

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