In 2012 the Buffalo Bills continued their post playoff deficit. Coming into 2013, the Bills have made major changes, mainly to their coaching staff and front office. Owner Ralph Wilson has stepped aside and relies on President and CEO Russ Brandon to make the final decisions. GM Buddy Nix stepped down and Assistant GM Doug Whaley has taken over. Chan Gailey and his make shift coaching staff is gone and Doug Marrone has taken over. Marrone has brought in his offensive coordinator from Syracuse, Nathanial Hackett and former Jets defensive coordinator Mike Pettine to complete his immediate staff. With a new staff and a new philosophy also brings in a new excitement for the 2013 year.
The Bills are looking for a new trend to go with their new and younger, front office and coaching staff. Making the playoffs this year would break a 13 year streak of falling short.
May 10, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback EJ Manuel (3) looks to make a pass during rookie minicamp at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
QB – The Bills made waves in the off-season releasing QB Ryan Fitzpatrick on the first day of free agency. With this, Tarvaris Jackson was the only one listed on the roster as the QB. Buffalo resigned Jackson only to release him after the NFL draft. Kevin Kolb agreed to terms with the Bills during free agency. The Bills entered the draft and made a move and drafted E.J. Manuel as the first QB taken in the draft. Kolb and Manuel will enter training camp in a QB competition that should be one to keep an eye on. Thrown into the mix is rookie Jeff Tuel, who signed with the Bills as an undrafted free agent.
Nov 11, 2012; Foxborough, MA, USA; Buffalo Bills running back C.J. Spiller (28) and wide receiver Steve Johnson (13) congratulate running back Fred Jackson (22) after a touchdown run against the New England Patriots during the second half at Gillette Stadium. The Patriots defeated the Bills 37-31. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports
RB – The Bills come into the 2013 year keeping the two RBs at the fore-front as they ended. CJ Spiller finished last year with making a mark and an excellent push to start at RB this year. Fred Jackson saw some injuries and has more moved into secondary running back role, although don’t rule him out completely, there will still be a competition for the starting job. Also in the mix will be Tashard Choice, Zack Brown, and Drew Smith.
Upcoming in part two will be the rest of the offensive breakdown; FB, WR, TE, and the OL.