It’s only halftime of the Buffalo Bills third preseason game, and amidst the plethora of injuries and cringeworthy over-analysis of three viable starting quarterbacks, one thing is clear. These aren’t your traditional Buffalo Bills.
The Buzz Began in the Offseason
Rex Ryan made a huge splash cracking beers with Kelly, becoming one with himself, and one with the WNY community. Doug Whaley once again proved his enigmatic foresight with some major signings and another productive draft. Terry and Kim proved they are willing to pay to make this franchise (and City) great again. Pundits claimed the Bills would be a great team without a quarterback. Rex signed a WWF tag team duo that call themselves "The Bullies". (RIP Geno & Jonathan Martin) Shady tried to have an orgy in Philadelphia via instagram, and our O-Line coach punched a boy.
One key factor to the Bill's new formula of success stands quietly in the background of Buffalo's big picture. He’s someone who’s used to willingly sharing the spotlight, having been instrumental in the success of his former Head PSYCOach, Jim Harbaugh.
Greg Roman could be the biggest addition to Buffalo since Jim Kelly.
This Offense has purpose.
No more watching Kyle Orton casually unsnap his Grandpa's chinstrap and carelessly walk back to the sidelines with that "I wasn't even supposed to be here today." slump.
Greg Roman brings a fresh offensive culture to a team who hasn’t been in the driver’s seat of their own destiny for almost two decades. After years of watching an underdog bite at the ankles of premiere franchises, the addition of a proven Conference championship coordinator means the Bills are officially a big dog. Even with a depleted depth chart, Roman’s offensive philosophy is shining.
Roman seems to be one step ahead, exhausting defenses with a diverse mix power formations, unpredictable shifts and personnel changes, and 11 men walking to the line of scrimmage with swagger. His unique playbook could be considered boring by today’s spread standards, but the relentless body shots and mindful haymakers are incredibly crafty. His timing and execution seem to mesh quite well with our attacking defense.
Despite the chagrin of a region full of QB-doubters, all three quarterbacks have proven they can move the ball and are comfortable with the philosophy. Buffalo's bevy of running backs are hitting the holes and falling forward, while the dismantled receiving core is overachieving with crisp and efficient route running. The boss hogs up front are moving as one, executing with power and purpose. Charles Clay looks as though he could thrive as tweener-TE Vernon Davis did in San Fran. Roman’s offense is showing incredible control, despite running with winter tires.
The most beautiful thing about seeing such crisp implementation of Roman’s offense in Buffalo? The Bills’ have a garage full of sports cars. The skeleton offense has already shown the foot-on-the-throat style of game domination Bills' fans were hoping for, without flexing it's thoroughbred muscle. The way the Bills have executed without Shady, Sammy, Woods, and Harvin have Bills’ fans drooling over their Bud Lights.
For the first time since the Music City Miracle, Buffalo Bills’ fans are safe to get their hopes up.
