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Buffalo Bills Statistics from NFL.com
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NFL AFC East 2005 Buffalo Bills
Published: 2005-09-03
2004 record: 9-7
Offense:
The Bills offense ranked 7th in the NFL in points, 13th in rushing, and 27th in passing. The offense will again be led by running back Willis McGahee who rushed for 1,128 yards and 13 touchdowns in 11 starts last season. Disgruntled backup Travis Henry (Tennessee Titans) was traded for a 3rd round pick. The offensive line will have 2 new starters on the left side, guard Bennie Anderson (Baltimore Ravens) and tackle Mike Gandy, who will attempt to step in for departed Jonas Jennings (San Francisco 49ers). The line gave up a lot of sacks last season, but that was with Drew Bledsoe (Dallas Cowboys). Sophomore quarterback J.P. Losman takes the reins as the new starter, replacing Bledsoe. Losman should be much better equipped to deal with line breaks than Bledsoe as he moves very well. Sacks of last year could actually turn into positive plays with Losman this season. Losman has a solid surrounding cast with receivers Eric Moulds and Lee Evans along with the ground game. First year growing pains should be expected, especially with a tough schedule and a tough division but there is a lot of potential here.
Defense:
The solid Bills defense put up impressive statistics last season including 1st in the NFL in takeaways, 2nd in interceptions, 3rd against the pass, tied for 3rd in sacks, 7th against the run, and 8th in points allowed. The defensive line was awesome last season, led by all-pro defensive tackle Sam Adams and defensive end Aaron Schobel (team leader in sacks - 8/tackles for loss - 8.5). The loss of massive defensive tackle Pat Williams (Minnesota Vikings) definitely hurts and his spot will now be filled by Ron Edwards. Despite the loss of Williams, the line is still solid and shouldn’t drop off much. The linebackers are also solid led by all-pro playmaker Takeo Spikes and team tackle leader London Fletcher. Spikes does it all against both run and pass and led the Bills defense in touchdowns (2) and pass defenses (17). The secondary has excellent cover corners with Nate Clements (team leader in interceptions w/ 6) and Terrence McGee. Safeties Lawyer Milloy and Troy Vincent add a lot of veteran experience. The defense is still well-balanced and the strength of this team. The Bills defense sent 2 pro-bowlers last season but they could easily send more.
Overall:
Given the depth of the conference and the AFC East, Losman will need a Roethlisberger type season to have a shot at a wildcard, and this isn’t likely. Prediction: 3rd in AFC East.
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Betting Odds
| Odds to Win: | |
Open | |
Line | |
Bet365 | |
VipSports | |
BetCris | |
Bodog | |
| Super Bowl XL | |
20/1 | |
25/1 | |
34/1 | |
45/1 | |
n/a | |
35/1 | |
| AFC Conference | |
10/1 | |
15/1 | |
19/1 | |
20/1 | |
n/a | |
18/1 | |
| AFC East | |
5/1 | |
5/1 | |
7.5/1 | |
7/1 | |
n/a | |
+450 | |
(as of 9/03/05)
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2005 Buffalo Bills Schedule
Preseason
Sat, Aug 13 at Indianapolis W 17-10
Sat, Aug 20 Green Bay W 27-7
Fri, Aug 26 at Chicago L 12-16
Fri, Sep 2 Detroit L 7-21
Regular Season Schedule & Results
WK DATE OPPONENT TIME (ET)
1 Sun, Sep 11 Houston 1:00 PM
2 Sun, Sep 18 at Tampa Bay 1:00 PM
3 Sun, Sep 25 Atlanta 1:00 PM
4 Sun, Oct 2 at New Orleans 1:00 PM
5 Sun, Oct 9 Miami 1:00 PM
6 Sun, Oct 16 NY Jets 4:15 PM
7 Sun, Oct 23 at Oakland 4:15 PM
8 Sun, Oct 30 at New England 8:30 PM
9 BYE WEEK
10 Sun, Nov 13 Kansas City 1:00 PM
11 Sun, Nov 20 at San Diego 4:15 PM
12 Sun, Nov 27 Carolina 1:00 PM
13 Sun, Dec 4 at Miami 1:00 PM
14 Sun, Dec 11 New England 1:00 PM
15 Sat, Dec 17 Denver 8:30 PM
16 Sat, Dec 24 at Cincinnati 1:00 PM
17 Sun, Jan 1 at NY Jets 1:00 PM
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