I'm no fan of Bledsoe but multiple positions needs better production from the current roster or an upgrade, heading into 2005. In addition to QB, the Bills need improved play from the following positions
1. LT - Jennings probably leaving. Our biggest need
2. LG - Can Tucker play solid or is he just a good versatile backup for multiple OL positions ?
3. WR - Identify a good #3 ( It's not Reed or Aiken ). Can Moulds stop dropping the ball ? Has a 2005 cap figure of 8.75 Mil. Reducing his salary doesn't improve his hands.
4. TE - Campbell is OK. Euhus needs blocking work but can catch. Will they return healthy from knee injuries ?
5. Kicker - Lindell started squibbing way too many kickoffs, costing us valuable field position. His FG ability/range is terrible. Upgrade needed.
6. DE - Why is Schobel lining up so wide and trying the same wide pass rush move ? RB's just run off-tackle and gain 5 or more yards to his side. Better run support from our ends.
7. DB - Unless we sign Clements now, CB will be on the shopping list, either Free Agency or the Draft.
Coaching - Offensive gameplanning terrible until mid-October. Then it slowly got better. Choked against the Steelers. A first year Coach will learn. Seems like a very bright guy.
Defense needs to stop depending on LB/Secondary blitzes for their pass rush. McGee was left hanging out to dry too often, when safety help was needed. Tough to watch so many 3rd and longs being converted at crucial times. Sometimes, I wonder about Gray. In fairness, Milloy and Vincent missed a great deal of time.
I'm certainly not blaming it all on Bledsoe, since I understand the team game concept. Still, his mechanics, pocket awareness, delivery and overall poise deserve to be scrutinized heavily by the Coaches this week, while they watch the film evaluating players. He will be entering year 13 in the NFL and his skills are starting to deteriorate rapidly. Good defenses make him look WORSE than a rookie. I realize Losman is NOT ready as of this minute but the next regular season game is 8 months away. Much CAN be accomplished in the meantime. A transition is taking place for him to eventually get his shot. Whether that's opening day 2005 or a few games in, it should happen.
The QB position must improve but so must multiple other positions, if the Bills wish to win 10 games and snag a playoff spot in 2005.