The Buffalo Bills seem like they’re preparing to reap the fruits of their process and start winning some football games. Concerted efforts to improve the team have been apparent, acquiring players to address noted areas of weakness. If everything goes according to plan, the Bills will take a leap forward, likely on the back of breakout players. Here’s some best guesses on a few candidates. As always, feel free to add your own (or rip apart mine) in the comments below.
QB Josh Allen
Sure this might be an expected answer, but Josh Allen is set up for success more than any other player on the Bills this offseason. There’s solid evidence to suggest that second-year quarterbacks are more likely to improve than not. Further, that same evidence shows that it’s not a pipe dream for Allen to make a significant jump.
But more important than statistical guess work is the investment the Bills have made in the team to support Allen. The offensive line was a major weakness in 2018. The Bills added a couple clear improvements on the line and upped the level of competition. The wide receiver and tight end groupings were lacking last year. So the Bills found a mix of established players and upside players to help out.
Allen is also going into his second year in the system and should avoid the messy quarterback competition of last year. While second-year players shouldn’t be written off, Allen will be under the microscope if he doesn’t have a good year. I think he builds off of his rookie season and shines with a stronger supporting cast.
P Cory Carter
The “forgotten” punter, Cory Carter was doing well enough in the 2018 preseason to seemingly lock down the punting job. An injury before the regular season opened the door for the Bills to sign Corey Bojorquez.
An injury to Bojorquez led to a few other options, none of whom stuck. This season, the punting battle will pit Cory vs Corey in what has to be a reboot of an ‘80s movie. Carter will challenge for the Bills’ punting position or show up well enough to land on another team.
DT Jordan Phillips
The 2018 season saw the Bills tweaking their defense with specialized defensive line sub-packages based on the anticipated offensive play call. This meant plenty of rotation along the line with snaps to go around.
Jordan Phillips joined the team mid-season but seemed to fit in right away. Generally landing between roughly 30% and 50% of defensive snaps, his enthusiasm and penchant for swatting passes stood out. Though defensive tackle is a bit crowded with players looking to make an impact, expect Phillips to make the most of his time. Though Phillips’s production was solid as is, having a full offseason with the team should help. Don’t be surprised if Phillips looks like a bargain by year’s end.
WR Duke Williams
Duke Williams may be in heavy competition with Robert Foster to earn the deep-threat role in Buffalo. The competition features two players who learned first hand that nothing is given to you in the NFL. Expect both to battle with everything they have at their disposal.
While there’s nothing yet to suggest that Williams will come out ahead, if he does he surpasses a player who was starting to develop some chemistry with Josh Allen. The Bills invested in receivers to draw attention in the short and intermediate areas of the field. Combine the above elements and there’s a realistic chance Williams has a breakout year.