After a long hiatus since the NFL Draft and FA, which is my "most wonderful time of the year," due to the pure HOPE that is in the air during the offseason.  But I just wanted to make some observations that I am highlighting as what I see as key to the 2008 Bills.  After seeing this organization try to "revamp" the roster since 2006, I am starting to see where this is going. 

First off, in 2007 the Bills Offense averaged 15.8 pts a game.  In 2006, they averaged 18.8 pts/g, and in 2005 16.9.  If you look historically, playoff teams usually average at least 19 pts/g.  For example last year, the Giants (23.3 pts/g), Redskins, (20.9), Jaguars, (25.7), Cowboys (28.4), Steelers (24.6), etc, and the worst team to make the playoffs was the Titans at (18.8).  My first concern is simply POINTS.  Where will they come from?  How will this Bills Team be better than the previous 2 season with Fairchild calling plays and Losman or Edwards executing them?  I think for one Schonert is a MUCH, MUCH needed change.  When people talk about offseason additions, I often point out the thing I am most happy with is seeing a change in Coaching Philosophy on Offense.  Defensively, Jauron has proven his system works.  He gets defense, well it may not be blitz happy, or full of genious schemes, the fact is the Bills Defense has held its own over Jauron's tenure.  Let's look at those numbers:

The Bills in 2007 gave up 22.1 pts/g llowed 362 yds a game which ranked 31st.  In 2006 the Bills gave up 19.4 pts/g and allowed 329 yds/game ranking 15th. Let's take a look at some playoff teams from last year and their pts allowed.  Giants (21.9), Patriots (17.1), Colts (16.4), Jaguars (19.0), Browns (23.9),  and Cowboys (20.3).

Now, I thought these numbers would be more impressive.  The yardage given up is appauling in 2007 but the fact is the points allowed is competitive.  And also we played the Patriots last year that scored 56 in one game that inflates the stats considerably.  My concern has been, and will continue to be on the Offensive side of the ball.  Until the Bills offense proves that it can WIN games, can score 28, 31, 38 points to win SOME GAMES, and do just enough in other games in which the DEFENSE stifles opponents, I do not see this team winning 9-11 games and being playoff bound.  So I plead to you to Trust in Jauron and the defense.  Sure maybe Poz is overrated, and paying Schobel/Kelsay all that money was not the smartest thing, but take a look at how young and talented this defense is now compared to 2005.  It is appauling.  The defense is built with youth, good tacklers, and now hopefully a few more playmakers in Stroud, McKelvin, Mitchell (made some big plays last year). 

I am so intrigued at how Schonert calls plays and how Edwards executes them.  So, do you agree with my assessment here?  I think the focus should be squarely on Schonert & Edwards, and the Front Office for not getting Jason Peters into camp yet.  I think Lee Evans, Robert Royal, and other offensive veterans need to take responsibility this year.  They need to step up and make plays.  It is about time.  Please feel free to agree, disagree, or rip me. 

And How many points do you see the Bills Scoring per game in 2008?  16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24?