2013 Buffalo Bills Season Preview

Buffalo Bills
Offense: New coach Doug Marrone has installed a West Coast-style offense more reliant on the run that under previous coach Chan Gailey, C.J. Spiller is now the unquestioned #1 back on the team, and his 6.0 yards-per-carry in 2012 are an indicator of the big-play potential he brings to the offense. The quarterback job was up for grabs entering training camp, but after Kevin Kolb's poor play and concussion, the job is all but Manuel's for the taking. The receiving corps was re-vamped during the draft, as the Bills selected Robert Woods (USC, 2nd round) and Marquise Goodwin (Texas, 3rd round) to add more playmakers. Woods in particular figures to play a prominent role in the offense this season. The offensive line lost left guard Andy Levitre to free agency, and while Colin Brown appears to have the job won, there will be some drop-off in play at the position.

Defense: New defensive coordinator Mike Pettine will have his work cut out for him, as the Bills were atrocious against the run last season. The secondary also struggled, but converted cornerback Aaron Williams has played well at strong safety in the preseason and has locked up that starting spot. Second-year cornerback Stephon Gilmore also appears to have improved, but the team will need more consistent play from Leodis McKelvin at the other corner spot. Buffalo also added some depth at linebacker, as they signed Manny Lawson and traded for Jerry Hughes.
Impact Free Agent: Outside linebacker Manny Lawson. The Bills were fairly quiet on the free agent market, and Lawson appears to be the only offseason signing that will begin the season as a starter. While he's somewhat limited in coverage, Lawson has the ability to rush the passer (18 career sacks), but will also need to do a good job of setting the edge when the Bills use an odd-man front.
Impact Rookie: Quarterback E.J. Manuel. The Bills surprised many (including me) by selecting E.J. Manuel with the 16th overall pick in the draft. Manuel struggled with consistency at Florida State, but has the physical attributes (size, arm strength and mobility) of the new-age NFL quarterback. Manuel acquitted himself fairly well in the first two preseason games, but a knee procedure will prevent him from participating in the Bills' final two preseason games. With Kevin Kolb now out with a concussion, it appears that Manuel will be starting very early on in his career.
Player to Watch: Outside linebacker Jerry Hughes. The Bills acquired Hughes from the Colts in exchange for Kelvin Sheppard this offseason. To this point, Hughes has had a great training camp, as well as recorded a team-high three sacks in the preseason. While he's not an every-down linebacker at this point, Hughes figures to have a role as a situational pass-rusher.
Record: 6-10 (t-3rd in AFC East)