Can the Bills Emulate the 2015 Broncos?

Can The Bills Emulate The 2015 Broncos?

Last season, the Denver Broncos went on a magical run that resulted in a Lombardi Trophy. This Super Bowl was an anomaly, as they didn’t have an elite quarterback manning the ship (pun intended). Throughout their season, the Broncos had average quarterback play, backed up by arguably the best defense since the 2000 Ravens.

Feb 7, 2016; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) looks at the Vince Lombardi Trophy after beating the Carolina Panthers in Super Bowl 50 at Levis Stadium /

Before their title, there was a belief around the league that you needed an elite quarterback to win big. Look at the past Super Bowl winners: Tom Brady, Russell Wilson, Joe Flacco, Eli Manning, Aaron Rodgers, Ben Roethlisberger, I can go on. The common denominator amongst all of these quarterbacks is that they are regarded as the best in the league. Now that this idea has been proven incorrect, it gives other teams the opportunity to explore this concept.

The Buffalo Bills will go into 2016 with an identity, which is something they couldn’t say in 2015. They have a known commodity at quarterback and Doug Whaley has done a great job of solidifying the defense, which was nothing less than disappointing last season. They know what their strengths are and they are well aware of their weaknesses.

After leading the league in rushing last season, it is evident that the Bills will rely on the run. If effective, this will enable them to not only control the tempo of the game but also to effectively execute play-action. The Bills’ rushing attack is a three-headed monster consisting of LeSean McCoy, Karlos Williams, and Tyrod Taylor. This trio will be even more effective because of the moves made in the offseason to secure Cordy Glenn and Richie Incognito. Chemistry and consistency are very important in the ‘ground and pound’ scheme and the Bills have done a good job of keeping it intact.

Dec 6, 2015; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) during the game against the Houston Texans at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /

The perfect compliment to this explosive run game is going to be the connection of Tyrod Taylor and Sammy Watkins. Watkins is coming off of his first thousand yard season and finally gained recognition as a superstar receiver. Buffalo hasn’t had a receiver of this caliber in a long time and it was a joy to Buffalonians to watch him play last year.

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Denver’s defense was tremendous last season. People don’t realize just how dominant they were. In their three playoff games, including the Super Bowl, they allowed just 19, 12, and 10 points. Not to mention that the three quarterbacks they faced were Ben Roethlisberger, Tom Brady, and Cam Newton. There wasn’t a single hole in that defense. The pass rush was lethal, the linebackers were versatile, and the corners were lockdown.

Nov 12, 2015; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; New York Jets wide receiver Eric Decker (87) getting tackled by Buffalo Bills cornerback Stephon Gilmore (24) in the first half at MetLife Stadium. The Bills defeated the Jets 22-17 Mandatory Credit: William Hauser-USA TODAY Sports /

It’s hard for me to believe any defense can replicate that anytime soon, but the Bills have the potential to be a very good defense. Their biggest strength is their corners. Both Stephon Gilmore and Ronald Darby have emerged as two of the best in the league. They thrive in both man and zone, making Rex Ryan’s job much easier. Other than the coverage, the remaining aspects of the defense were poor last season. GM Doug Whaley did a tremendous job of bringing in Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland. Both rookies are first round talents that will start from day one.

There is no question the Bills have the tools to be a playoff team. The only question is whether or not they can execute.

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