What to Look Forward to for the Buffalo Bills during the 2015 Season

The 2014 season for the Buffalo Bills was filled with positives; their first winning season in over a decade, a top 5 ranked defense, and an above average rookie season for star wideout Sammy Watkins. Add in the fact that the Bills beat several playoff teams from last season and came close to beating several more, and you have a 2015 season filled with heightened expectations and excitement around Western New York and within Bills fans everywhere. So, without further ado, here are five things to look forward to during the 2015 NFL season for the Buffalo Bills:Rex

1. Rex Ryan Press Conferences

After being fired from the Jets after the 2014 season and after Doug Marrone suddenly opted out of his coaching contract immediately following the team’s first winning season in over a decade, Ryan was the one who won over the hearts of new owners Terry and Kim Pegula. Ryan, who’s never been shy at the podium, was right back to his old ways during his introductory press conference. “Is this thing on? Because it’s about to be on,” were his first words spoken as the Bills’ 18th Head Coach. And it didn’t take long for him to make a splash with his new team, as the Bills acquired star running back LeSean McCoy from the Philadelphia Eagles in exchange for young linebacker Kiko Alonso. Much the chagrin of many Bills fans, the McCoy trade is one example of how Rex Ryan is willing to do whatever it takes. On top of the McCoy trade, the Bills also acquired tight end Charles Clay from the Dolphins, fullback Jerome Felton from the Minnesota Vikings, wide receiver Percy Harvin from the New York Jets, and free agent guard Richie Incognito. With all the offseason additions, it’s easy to see why players all around the league speak so highly of the new guy in charge at One Bills Drive. Heck, even Hall of Famers Thurman Thomas and Jim Kelly can’t enough of him. Ryan’s press conferences are going to be, at the very least, entertaining, and you’re always going to get a candid Rex Ryan every time he steps up to the mic in front of the media.

2. LeSean McCoy Returning to Form

The trade that shocked the world in March should end up being a blessing for the Bills this season after acquiring LeSean McCoy, the league’s third best running back since the 2006 season, behind only Adrian Peterson and DeMarco Murray (who is McCoy’s replacement in Philadelphia, oddly enough). McCoy initially was unhappy with the trade the Buffalo, but later embraced it, saying that “it felt nice to be on a team that wants me” after being cast out of Philly, which McCoy says is Eagles’ head coach Chip Kelly’s doing. Whatever the case is, McCoy is eager to get back out on the field and make a statement to Kelly for letting him leave so easily. McCoy will get to square off against his former team in Week 14, and look for McCoy to return to his Pro Bowl form throughout the season. Ladainian Tomlinson thinks that McCoy could be the MVP of the league this year. If that happens, McCoy will be in great shape to do huge things within his new offense and on his new team.

3. Better QB Play

Rex Ryan has stated and shown that there will be an open QB competition in training camp between Matt Cassel, Tyrod Taylor, and EJ Manuel. Jeff Tuel appears to be the odd man out in the competition, as he has been receiving reps, but not as much as the other three players. It appears that the competition has brought out the best in Cassel, Taylor, and Manuel, as all three men have received high praise from their new head coach. The competition will allow whoever the starter is to be more prepared and ready to take over the offense thanks to the hard fought competition held by Ryan and new offensive coordinator Greg Roman. Who has done great work with his former QB in San Francisco, Colin Kaepernick. If Roman can sustain the same type of success with either of the three men battling for the starting spot, this offense will be much improved in the passing game.

4. A Huge Year for Sammy Watkins

Second year receiver Sammy Watkins had an above average rookie season. He had 65 receptions for 982 yards and 6 touchdowns. Watkins has amazing field awareness and pass catching ability. He also knows what to do after the ball is in his hands, and he’s more athletic than some people give him credit for. He had a minor hip procedure after the 2014 season, but he should be healthy and ready for the 2015 season, where he looks to follow up on a great rookie campaign. Watkins, along with Woods, Hogan, Harvin, and Clay, will have plenty of opportunities in Greg Roman’s offense to do things with the football that they were unable to do last year under Nathaniel Hackett. Whoever the QB is, expect them to get Sammy the ball early and often throughout the season.

5. A Playoff Berth…FINALLY

This is going to be a huge topic for discussion for football fans all over the country. The Bills are heading in the right direction after a decade and a half of missing out on the playoffs and being the butt of numerous jokes around the league. With Rex Ryan and company at the helm, and the new attitude around the clubhouse and the players and front office buying into a winning philosophy, it’s hard not to like what the Bills are bringing to the table. With all the weapons on both sides of the ball, the Bills are destined to make it to the playoffs this season. And that’s something that couldn’t make this writer any happier.

Of course, these are all just predictions and assumptions. Only time will tell if this team can pull it together and how well the QB’s will play along with LeSean McCoy. One thing is for sure; Rex Ryan will almost definitely keep true to his word of going in front of the cameras uncensored and speaking what’s on his mind.

Alex Rugile @alexrugile

Link to: Bills Fanatics FB Group

#gregroman #RexRyan #BuffalobIlls #sammywatkins #LeSeanMcCoy #ejmanuel #TyrodTaylor #mattcassel #charlesclay