2016 Record - 7-9-0
Head Coach - Sean McDermott
Offensive Rank - 16th (354 yards per game, 24.9 points scored per game)
Defensive Rank - 19th (357 yards allowed per game, 23.3 points allowed per game)
Tyrod Taylor will be the starting quarterback again this season. Taylor passed for 3,023 yards with 17 touchdowns and six interceptions and also rushed for 580 yards with six scores. T.J. Yates and rookie Nathan Peterman (Pittsburgh) will back up.
LeSean McCoy rushed for 1,267 yards with 13 TD and also caught 50 passes out of the backfield and will be the primary running back again. Jonathan Williams and Cedric O' Neal provide depth. The wide receiving unit went through a major change as Sammy Watkins was dealt to the Rams. Anquan Boldin (67 receptions, 584 yards, eight TD with Detroit), Andre Holmes, Philly Brown and rookie Zay Jones (East Carolina) will be the primary targets along with tight end Charles Clay, who had 57 receptions for 552 yards and four touchdowns last year.
The defense features Kyle Williams (five QB sacks), Jerry Hughes (six sacks) and Marcell Dareus (3 1/2 sacks) on the front line along with pass rushing linebacker Lorenzo Alexander, who had 12 1/2 QB sacks a year ago, which was third best in the NFL. Rookie Tre'Davious White (LSU) will look to man a cornerback spot along with Leonard Johnson following the trade of Ronald Darby to Philadelphia.
OUTLOOK FOR 2017 - The Bills appear to be in transformation mode with the recent deals made and new Head Coach Sean McDermott will look to Taylor and McCoy to spark the offense, which was decent a year ago, averaging just under 25 points per game.
The defense can get after the quarterback and did intercept twelve passes a year ago, but the run defense was weak, allowing 133 yards per game. That has to improve to keep opposing offenses honest. The Bills will not challenge New England for the AFC East title this season, but a .500 finish is not out of the question if the offense clicks once again.
The future will likely be better for Buffalo as they hold a ton of draft picks in the next couple of years. Look for a 6-10 mark this season as they build for future success.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. NY Jets
Week Two - at Carolina
Week Three - vs. Denver
Week Four - at Atlanta
Week Five - at Cincinnati
Week Six - BYE
Week Seven - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Eight - vs. Oakland
Week Nine - at NY Jets
Week Ten - vs. New Orleans
Week Eleven - at LA Chargers
Week Twelve - at Kansas City
Week Thirteen - vs. New England
Week Fourteen - vs. Indianapolis
Week Fifteen - vs. Miami
Week Sixteen - at New England
Week Seventeen - at Miami
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