Where things went wrong for NFL’s Less-than-Magnificent 7

Buffalo Bills (6-10)

2017: 9-7 (2nd place, AFC East)

What went wrong? It was an odd 2018 offseason for a team that had finally reached the playoffs for the first time since 1999. While the Buffalo Bills hoped to use that postseason experience as a building block, the club once again underwent many changes on both sides of the ball. None were bigger then the trade of veteran quarterback Tyrod Taylor to the Cleveland Browns. But to think that was the only issue for Sean McDermott’s club would be deceptive.

One of the team’s better offensive line in recent years lost three key members via trade retirement or otherwise during the offseason. It made for a rough season in Orchard Park as the Bills went through four different starting quarterbacks, including rookie Josh Allen. But the 2018 first-round pick spent the year on the run.

Moving forward: If the team is going to compete in the AFC East (2-4 divisional record in 2018), the team has to get much better in the trenches on both side of the ball. The Bills also need to find some offensive balance. Only the Arizona Cardinals and Miami Dolphins gained fewer yards per game and the club was 31st in the league in passing yards. In 2018 third-round pick Harrison Phillips the true heir apparent to defensive tackle Kyle Williams?

General manager Brandon Beane doesn’t have a lot of free-agent decisions to make in terms of retaining players. But it is worth noting that center/guard Ryan Groy and the right side starting tandem of guard John Miller and tackle Jordan Mills could be unrestricted free agents on March 13. The team has 10 picks in April’s upcoming draft.