Buffalo Bills Mid-Season Predictions
Oct 20, 2013; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Fred Jackson (22) is tackled by Miami Dolphins outside linebacker Philip Wheeler (52) in the second half at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Mayer-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been a few weeks since I’ve blogged about the Buffalo Bills and I must say, things have definitely changed for the better. The Buffalo Bills seems to have found their offensive rhythm and the defense has made plays when the team needed them most, showing the resilience & heart to give this team a chance to win close games. That being said, it is time for my mid-season predictions for 5 players who will step up for the Buffalo Bills as the second half of the season begins this Thursday. Although they are predictions, I must mention that I did predict the Kansas City Chiefs would be one of the best teams in the league and look where they are now…undefeated. Let’s get to it.
1.) Aaron Williams- With the return of Jairus Byrd and Stephon Gilmore, Aaron Williams is beginning to show his true potential. He is one of the hardest hitting players on the team and has a good enough instinct to find the ball, no matter where he is on the field. He doesn’t have the linear speed wanted from a starting NFL corner, but teams will have a hard time avoiding Williams on the field. Whether in the running or passing game, Aaron Williams has been consistently involved in the defense. On a side note; Chris Brown from Buffalo Bills.com reported that Aaron Williams may be playing back at safety alongside Jairus Byrd against the New Orleans Saints this Sunday. Expect big things from this guy.
2.) Marcel Dareus- Dareus is a two gap defensive tackling machine. Teams can’t block him, let alone double team him. If Dareus continues to play at this level, the Buffalo Bills defense can and will do big things. He allows the legend that is Kiko Alonso to roam free and do his thing. That means turnovers for the Buffalo Bills defense and bad news for opposing running backs. Maintaining his level of play is crucial to keeping this Buffalo team in close games.
3.) C.J. Spiller-Spiller has been nursing an ankle injury that has prohibited him from building on his success from last season. However, the injured duo of Fred Jackson & CJ Spiller has continued to break down and is ranked 4th in the NFL averaging 120 yards per game. If the Bills can continue to win games up until their bye week, a rested & healthy Spiller will tear up opposing defenses in the last five games of the season.
4.) Kiko Alonso-The legend grows. There isn’t much that has to be said about this guy. He’s a stud linebacker against the run and the pass, and he makes plays time and time again. I will say this; If Kiko continues to play at this level I can’t think of anyone else who will deserve Defensive Rookie of The Year honors more than Kiko.
5.) Thad Lewis-The Buffalo Bills have some big games coming up prior to the bye week; Kansas City and an AFC east rivalry game at the New York Jets prove to be the more crucial. Thad has played well under the absence of EJ Manuel and he will have to continue to do so if the Buffalo Bills want to have a shot at a playoff worthy season. Thad’s cool demeanor and energetic presence will be needed as the Bills continue to face successful teams as they head into the bye week in week 12.
These five players have the potential to step up and become key players for the Buffalo Bills heading into the second half of the season. Which Buffalo players do you think will step up and make a name for themselves in the second half of the season?