st. pete gogolak Posted September 1, 2011 Posted September 1, 2011 Maybe I'm just beat down by a decade of bad football but my criteria for a successful 2011 season doesn't include a playoff berth or even a winning season. What I'd like to see is the following: - All-Pro (or at least Pro-Bowl) potential shown by Dareus; - Byrd, Troup, Carrington, A. Williams and Sheppard show that they can be effective NFL starters; - productive and injury-free seasons from Merriman and Barnett. You add that to K. Williams, Florence and maybe McGee (I've given up on McKelvin - should have shipped him to the Giants for a draft choice) and you will have the nucleus of a young, dominant defense for years to come. That's enough for me. Anything from the offense (breakout years for Spiller and Easley, another great year from S. Johnson) is just gravy.
lvbillzfan Posted September 1, 2011 Posted September 1, 2011 New ownership. Like most, I feel like it's hard to get excited with our recent history. We have very little chance to compete consistantly with our current owner. I really like Chan and Buddy so I feel like we can improve but it will be really tough with Ralph calling the shots. I don't usually put a number on it but 8-8 would be wonderful.
It's in My Blood Posted September 1, 2011 Posted September 1, 2011 Maybe I'm just beat down by a decade of bad football but my criteria for a successful 2011 season doesn't include a playoff berth or even a winning season. What I'd like to see is the following: - All-Pro (or at least Pro-Bowl) potential shown by Dareus; - Byrd, Troup, Carrington, A. Williams and Sheppard show that they can be effective NFL starters; - productive and injury-free seasons from Merriman and Barnett. You add that to K. Williams, Florence and maybe McGee (I've given up on McKelvin - should have shipped him to the Giants for a draft choice) and you will have the nucleus of a young, dominant defense for years to come. That's enough for me. Anything from the offense (breakout years for Spiller and Easley, another great year from S. Johnson) is just gravy. Yes, everything thing you said is great and I hope it happens , but for me the only way to say this season is a success is to make the playoffs for the first time in the new millennium.
b stein 22 Posted September 1, 2011 Posted September 1, 2011 (edited) Actually having rookies have an impact on the season. Also getting rid of Kelsey or revoke his starting status. Edited September 1, 2011 by b stein 22
JuanGuzman Posted September 1, 2011 Posted September 1, 2011 For me how the O-Line plays will be an important piece. Realistically the only player on the OL that I could winning or drawing individual battles throughout the season is Wood (and i'm not overly confident in that yet). I think Chan will be able to mask the deficiencies with 3 step drops and using backs and TE's to chip but long term this isn't a winning strategy. A championship teams needs an O-Line that can win battles at the Point of Attack. If 1 O-Lineman other than Wood (I'm thinking Bell, Levitre, or Hairston, but anyone would suffice) shows that they could be a capable piece going forward I would consider that progress. A couple others: Players drafted or signed as FA by the current brain trust contribute/develop e.g. I'm looking at you Spiller, Troupe, Chandler (essentially I just want some validation that on the whole Nix/Gailey are getting it right more than they are getting it wrong when making personell decisions) A few players emerge who could potentially be considered top 15 at their position. Right now we have 1 player there Kyle Williams. Will anyone join them this year e.g., at the end of the year can we legitimately say say so-and-so is our core and lets build around them. Failing all that: we get the #1 overall pick
Dorkington Posted September 1, 2011 Posted September 1, 2011 Playoffs. Anything less than playoffs is a failure.
Keukasmallies Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 A change in ownership leading to a new philosophy in the front office.
bisonbrigade Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 Beat the Patriots on September 25TH!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Nyghtewynd Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 8-8 would be a miracle. And if you can't finish 8-8, finish last. Anything else is a waste of time.
Phil Hansen Forever Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 I'm easy, two wins against the Pats and the Fish. The rest is irrelevant.
Gotta Dream Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 8-8 or better. Or Andrew Luck. Fixed I'll second that! No mediocre seasons that give us some hope. If we're not going to make the playoffs, then make a run for a franchise QB.
Stealth Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 Beating NE, and I'll continue to say this until we beat NE
BuffaloRebound Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 Beating NE, and I'll continue to say this until we beat NE +1
flmike Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 Geez, only 2 teams get to play in the SB and only a few more make the playoffs. I just ask that my team be competitive and entertaining. Saying that playoffs or 0-16 are the only choices is pretty silly.
Miyagi-Do Karate Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 Playoffs. Anything less than playoffs is a failure. Agreed. Why should we expect less? There isn't a perfect team in the NFL. If this team can string together a few close wins, like all other teams seem to do at least once a decade, they can be a playoff team.
offyourocker Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 The Bills will not be successful in 2011. No significant moves were made during offseason. 1-3 pre-season is decent indicator of the same level of play as a 4-12 season in 2010.
Maddog69 Posted September 2, 2011 Posted September 2, 2011 (edited) 8-8 or better. Or Andrew Luck. I agree. Unless Fitz proves without a doubt that he is the man and the team is on the verge of playoffs, I want Andrew Luck. Edited September 2, 2011 by Maddog69
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