Five Teams That Could Fall To The Top Of The 2014 Draft

Buffalo Bills – Why it could occur:

Nothing says “Red Flag” more than how much is new on a team (I know, that is the Jaguars too).  Buffalo had trouble winning last year, a lot of trouble. They also had 50+ points hung on them twice. I think the Jacksonville game was the only quality win they had. Ryan Fitzpatrick was miserable despite a really healthy offensive line. They should not have had a 6-10 season, but it also could have been worse. Three of the wins were Kansas City, Jaguars and the end of year, “we quit” NY Jets.

So here comes the new coaching staff, Doug Marrone from Syracuse and his offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett. Coach Hackett had been an NFL Offensive Quality Control coach before this but his offensive coordinator learning years were the three years with Doug at Syracuse.  The good news for Buffalo is Mike Pettine who led the Jets defense has joined the staff. The defense has a good chance to improve.  Doug Marrone is going to have to shore up Nathaniel Hackett.

Here comes the new Quarterback, EJ Manuel. Behind him is Kevin Kolb. I can see EJ Manuel looking like a better option than Ryan Fitzpatrick to Buddy Nix, but they have a lot of work to do in Buffalo to lay down a successful offense. Doug Marrone might be able to do that, just ask Drew Brees, but he has a rookie QB who he can’t pull easily.  There is no Bye Week for 12 games and EJ Manuel has to look better than he did against Florida. It could turn into a real struggle to win in Buffalo especially if the Jets and the Dolphins get Buffalo’s number early.