Buffalo Bills chances of reaching playoffs in 2012 season – NFL Special
Buffalo Bills had big dreams about the 2012 season. However, things have not gone according to the plans in most departments of the game and after Week 11, the prospects of reaching the playoffs are diminishing rapidly.
Bills are currently standing at second place in the American Football Conference (AFC) East with a 4-6 record, thanks to their Week 11 victory over Miami Dolphins.
Despite having a tough first half schedule, there is no doubt that Bills struggled to keep pace with the talent that is available to top teams in the league.
Moreover, the most disturbing aspect of their dismal record is that the players who were expected to lead the side from the front have not been productive most of the times.
However, now Bills have a relatively easy schedule which can change the course of the tide and looking at their current form Bills can manage to do that.
The team showed its true colours during the last couple of games. Even though Bills lost Week 10 game against New England Patriots, it was a very competitive game and at one moment it looked as if they would beat their division rivals for the first time
at Gillette Stadium.
However, as it has been the case throughout this season, Bills made some costly mistakes that took the game away from them.
Bills managed to hit back in Week 11 as they defeated the Dolphins. They are getting better and better as the season is progressing and can surprise many if they are able to rectify the problems they are facing since the start of the season.
On top of the list is their defensive debacle. The signing of defensive end Mario Williams for a whopping $100 million contract, which was the most expensive contract given to a defensive player, has now become the most overpriced signing of the 2012 offseason.
Williams has been the most disappointing player as not only he failed to give better output, but he also lacked leadership qualities to keep the defence going.
The team is currently ranked among the worst defensive sides of the season. Talking about the team’s playoff chances, defensive tackle Kyle Williams recently said:
"We've got to stay on guys so they understand: Our playoffs are now. They start now. There's no reason that we can't go on a run and get back in this thing, but it's going to take a lot out of everybody."
In the offensive side of the ball, Bills must stop giving turnovers. This has been the major reason why the team has lost a number of games even after getting in a winning position.
The team must also find a balance between their two star running backs Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller and share the playing time between them and the passing game in a sensible manner.
Looking at Bills’ other division rivals, Miami Dolphins and New York Jets, it looks like they have a slight chance of dominating the division. However, their playoff chances are still very much blurred and they must take it as a must-win situation if they
need a playoff berth.
Disclaimer: The views do not represent editorial policy of bettor.com
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