MANUFACTURED JOY - BUFFALO BILLS

by Zac, Throwing Into Traffic

1. Trent Edwards, playmaker!

Through two games, guess which pass attack looks better than the vaunted Rams squad, the Oakland Jamarcus Russel show, Big Ben and the Steelers, and even the newly installed high power Redskins squad. If you said Buffalo, you’re right, and probably not retarded seeing as they’re the subject of the post. I made fun of the decision to go with Edwards earlier, but it seems that this is the year where clear plans are rewarded, regardless of natural talent, and this pass attack fits perfectly into the overall offensive philosophy. Through two games, the bills are averaging 221 yards per game through the air. Trent Edwards is averaging over 8 yards per attempt and has throw no INTs. Even more exciting, the team has become pretty good at striking quick through the air on drives, with Edwards averaging 9.8 yards per attempt and completing 14 of 17 on first down. Opponents have honed in on Marshawn Lynch, and Edwards has managed to find his three talented receiving targets (that James Hardy corner route last week was the first of many). Edwards forcing teams to adjust to his pass attack is going to pay dividends down the line for the rush attack, meaning that this offense could be even scarier once its best weapon has room to run.

2. The Ice Wall up front!

How important is the front seven? Consider that this team has two talented first round picks as well as an emerging Ashton Youboty and an underrated Terrence McGee working the defensive backfield, yet last year (when they had 3 of those 4 pieces) they were in the bottom five teams in terms of pass defense. This year, with the addition of LB Paul Posluszny and DT Marcus Stroud, the team is a top five defense overall. Even better, these two are influencing opposing pass games into failure. The two have combined for six passes defended, and Stroud already has two sacks and three tackles for a loss. With the equally underrated Aaron Schobel improving, expect this defense to be one of the most difficult to pass on in the league.

3. JAMES HARDY!

Seriously, he’s 6’5” and fast, with ups to compliment his physical gifts. How the hell did the first round miss this guy?