BY DAN GEYER, STAFF WRITER
The year is 2017: Sean McDermott is hired as head coach of the Buffalo Bills. McDermott had promised change and to build a culture in Western New York. That May, the Bills hired Brandon Beane as general manager .
“Trust the Process” – Those are three words McDermott stated during his introductory press conference in 2017.
Fast forward to 2022, and it appears the process is working. McDermott and Beane have transformed this franchise into one that I believe is a legit Super Bowl contender. Buffalo has won back to back AFC East titles and they have a strong chance at a third straight. Currently, the Bills are 6-2 on the season and have beaten three former NFL MVPs in Lamar Jackson, Patrick Mahomes and most recently Aaron Rodgers. They also beat the defending champion Los Angeles Rams in Week 1.
Let’s start with the offense. Led by 2018 draft pick Josh Allen, the Bills have become one of the most elite offenses in the league due to Allen’s ability to extend plays. Oh yeah, he can run and hurdle defenders, too, just ask the Vikings and the Chiefs. The offense has plenty of firepower with wide receivers Stefon Diggs, whom the Bills traded for in 2020, Gabe Davis, tight end Dawson Knox and running back Devin Singletary, as well as plenty of other dangerous playmakers.
The Bills defense is elite, as well. They have been the No. 1 defense the last two seasons. One of those reasons is 2022 free agent acquisition Von Miller, who has made QB’s lives a nightmare, but also linebacker Matt Milano, who intercepted Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill in Week 2 for his 2nd career pick six. Other defensive weapons include Tremaine Edmunds, cornerbacks Taron Johnson, Tre’Davious White, Dane Jackson and many others.
The offense and defense has plenty of weapons to make the opposing team’s game a nightmare, as well as the Bills Mafia. With firepower on both sides of the ball, I believe the Bills are legit Super Bowl contenders, but many still aren’t convinced, particularly due in part because the Bills don’t have much of a run game other than Josh Allen. Others are concerned with the run defense, as witnessed during their stunning loss to the New York Jets, but if beating the defending Super Bowl Champions and three former league MVPs doesn’t convince you, I don’t know what will.
geyerd18@bonaventure.edu
