Though the outcome of Sunday’s matchup against the New York Jets may be uncertain, personnel changes in the offseason are looking more and more absolute for the Buffalo Bills.
After a number of additions this past offseason boasted expectations of a strong season to come, those hopes fell flat with inconsistent play and a plague of injuries across the board. As the losses have piled up, so has the blame, and it’s been placed on nearly every facet of the team at one time or another.
Buffalo's leadership trio -- the general manager, coach and quarterback -- have absorbed much of the heat.
Chan Gailey
Buffalo’s third-year coach can’t plead the Fifth forever regarding his future, and he may have to speak up about it sooner than he thinks. Gailey has hit double-digit losses all three years as coach of the Bills; former coach Dick Jauron was booed out under similar circumstances. Unfortunately for Gailey, he also has to deal with the backlash from the offensive play-calling responsibilities, a particularly sensitive issue this season.
Many thought tailback C.J. Spiller should have seen far more touches than he was given despite Fred Jackson’s ability. And though some analysts have touted his genius when it comes to the screen game, the fact is you can’t run the screen 20 times a game every game, especially when the deep ball isn’t connecting. If one person's name is going to be called in 2013, it will likely be his.
Ryan Fitzpatrick
Fitzpatrick’s inability to throw the ball deep down the field has become painfully noticeable and has changed the momentum of the game at times. At age 30, Fitz is on the down slope of his career; and while he was never expected to be Tom Brady or Peyton Manning, he's been getting paid pretty handsomely.
None of the $41 million spread out among the remaining five years of Fitzpatrick's contract, which was extended last season, is guaranteed, according to the Buffalo News. Plus, general manager Buddy Nix has appeared dead-set on Buffalo's need to acquire a new, young quarterback to potentially lead the franchise. Fitz would just be in the way moving forward, especially if a new GM were to come in and start from scratch.
Buddy Nix
Nix has made some solid moves since returning to Buffalo in 2009. This past offseason was Nix’s strongest with the Bills, as he was able to re-sign three top-tier players and also bring in a slew of defensive talent. He was also able to re-sign starting guard Kraig Urbik recently.
Nix may have to pull out another offseason of magic though, and if he’s unable to hold onto players like Andy Levitre and Jairus Byrd, the situation could turn on him quickly. Plus, Nix's desire for a quarterback not named Fitzpatrick puts him in somewhat of a desperate, do-or-die situation. Maybe Bills ownership would just as well feel better bringing in a new GM who will handle the quarterback situation better than Nix has.
Nix may have to pull out another offseason of magic though, and if he’s unable to hold onto players like Andy Levitre and Jairus Byrd, the situation could turn on him quickly. Plus, Nix's desire for a quarterback not named Fitzpatrick puts him in somewhat of a desperate, do-or-die situation. Maybe Bills ownership would just as well feel better bringing in a new GM who will handle the quarterback situation better than Nix has.
