Buffalo Bills: Midway Changes They Should Make
By Dennis Amo
Sep 14, 2014; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills tackle Erik Pears (79) during a game against the Miami Dolphins at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
The Buffalo Bills are coming into the midway point of their season and after this weeks game against the New York Jets the Bills will hit their bye week to start the second half of their season. With the Bills at the midway point, what are, if any, changes that need to be made on the team.
More from Buffalo Bills News
- Buffalo Bills were ready to trade back if they couldn’t get Dalton Kincaid
- Grading Buffalo Bills drafting Dalton Kincaid in 2023 NFL Draft
- How the Buffalo Bills can win Day 1 of the 2023 NFL Draft
- Buffalo Bills having conversations about trading for DeAndre Hopkins
- Buffalo Bills Draft Rumors: Bills linked to this shocking first round target
I think the first and foremost thing that the Bills need to make a change at is the offensive line. The Bills have struggled here all season long and if they make this their only point of change, I will be satisfied. At this point, I see Erik Pears as the biggest issue on this line. The Bills do not have a solid back-up to place in his spot, even Kraig Urbik struggled when Chris Williams got hurt. Cyril Richardson is normally a right guard, but Pears not being able to move from one side to another puts Richardson at his weaker side.
The Bills need to find a replacement for Pears and they need to move Richardson over to the right side, his stronger side. Adding depth at the guard position, with another solid, proven guard will help this offensive line immensely.
Secondly, the Bills need to address their secondary. The Bills are ranked in the bottom half of the league allowing an average of 247.6 yards per game, which is not horrible, but it could be better. They are ranked 19th currently, and could use a boost as well. Their run defense is ranked 4th overall allowing just over 80 yards per game. If they can reign in their passing defense, this team would be tough to beat. Side note; they do lead the league in sacks with 24 currently.
I don’t think that the Bills lost a lot with their running attack with Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller going down. Bryce Brown and Anthony Dixon are capable backs and really the Bills lost some experience in their backfield but that is about it.
The two major areas that need to be upgraded, I think, are the offensive line and the defensive backfield. With these changes made, the Bills make the playoffs without an issue, and are contenders for the next couple of year.