Bills’ offseason moves meaningless if Ryan Fitzpatrick doesn’t improve

Last season the Buffalo Bills got off to a blazing 5-2 start scoring 30 points-per-game behind the brilliant play of their quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick. Then, whatever magic Fitzpatrick had in that arm of his fizzled out and the Bills failed to win another game until Week 16 when they blew out the Denver Broncos by 26 points at home.

During the seven-game stretch from Week 9 to Week 15, the Bills couldn’t buy a win. All seven of their opponents scored over 23 points and four of their opponents scored 30 or more points. Meanwhile the Bills only cracked the 20-point barrier twice during that time span.

Many around the league wondered what was wrong with Fiztpatrick. Had teams figured him out? Was his hot start just a fluke? Or was he no longer motivated to play well after the Bills rewarded him with a big contract extension during his hot streak?

Fitzpatrick wouldn’t reveal it during his team’s losing streak but he had sustained broken ribs playing against the Washington Redskins in Week 9. Buffalo demolished the Redskins 23-0 in that game; their only shut-out win of the season.

The next three games would see a noticeable decline in Fitzpatrick’s production. He completed 54.4% of his passes with only two touchdowns while throwing seven interceptions during that time span.

A huge drop off in production considering he completed 75% of his passes during the last three games of his torrid start. Fitzpatrick had to play well in order for the Bills to win because, let’s face it; the defense was horrible.

The Bills were near the bottom of the league allowing 27 points-per-game to their opponents. Two teams scored over 40 points on the Bills while five other teams were able to top 30 points.

So the Bills went into the offseason looking to beef up their porous defense. They added pass-rusher Mario Williams from the Houston Texans and drafted cornerback Stephon Gilmore in the first round of the draft.

They added a few more players in free agency and extended running back Fred Jackson’s contract. The Bills have had their biggest offseason in a while but their fortunes still rest in Ryan Fitzpatrick’s capable hands.

Injury or no injury, no one wants to hear any excuses for failure this season. The Bills have a lot invested in this roster and Bills’ fans are looking for results.

The defense is expected to be better, the Bills’ running attack should be improved and Fitzpatrick is expected to be at full health so nothing less than the playoffs will due. If not then fans may be clamoring for a quarterback change in 2013. 

Roosevelt Hall is an NFL Blogger for The Sport Mentalist and an NBA Blogger for The Sport Mentalist 2. He is also a Sports Reporter for Pro Sports Lives. He can be contacted at RHall_TPFB@Yahoo.com and be sure to follow him on Twitter @sportmentalist.

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