The Buffalo Bills are based in the Buffalo-Niagara falls area, and are actually the only NFL team to play within the state of New York (both the Giants and the Jets actually play their games in New Jersey). The Bills were founded in 1960, and were an original franchise of the AFL, before joining the NFL in the 1970 AFL/NFL merger. The Bills are the only team to win four consecutive conference championships, but sadly also the only team to then lose four consecutive Super Bowl games.
The rise of the division rival New England Patriots under Tom Brady, along with numerous failed attempts at rebuilding in the 2000s and 2010s, have prevented the Bills from reaching the playoffs since 1999, a 17-year drought that is the longest active playoff drought in all major professional sports. Bills fans will be hoping that new Coach Sean McDermott can finally lead them back to the post season.
Roster
Head Coach: Sean McDermott
The goal remains the same in Buffalo today as it's been since the turn of the millennium: The Bills desperately want to make the playoffs. But this team is far from being contenders. The organisation experienced a face lift with the hirings of new general manager Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott. The defense underwent a schematic and personnel overhaul, while the offense lacks any type of threat in the passing game. Being able to replicate last year's record would be quite a feat.
OFFENCE
If the Bills are going to be able to make a run at the division title, they're going to be heavily relying on their run game. Last season the Bills ranked 1st in the league in rushing, but only 30th with their pass attack. Star running back LeSean 'Shady' McCoy will have to be magnificent once again for the team to shine. A lot of pressure will be on QB Tyrod Taylor this season, with many fans and experts still waiting to see if he's the man to lead this franchise forward.
DEFENCE
The Bills ranked 19th in total defence last year, but had one of the better secondaries in the league and finished 6th in pass defence. The loss of star CB Stephon Gilmore to rivals the Patriots could hurt the secondary, so a lot of pressure will be on 1st round pick Tre'Davious White to fill Gilmore's boots. The Bills must improve on their run defence, having only ranked 29th in stopping the run. There is enough talent on the defence though, with star men Jerry Hughes, Lorenzo Alexander and Micah Hyde having to lead this unit.
MVP
LeSean McCoy, RB
Known around the league as 'Shady' McCoy, due to his shify and elusive running style, LeSean McCoy has become the Bill's star man and is a threat everytime he touches the ball. The Bill's ranked number 1 in rushing last year thanks largely to McCoy's amazing production of 1,267 rushing yards, plus another 13 rushings TDs to go along.
McCoy is in the prime of his career now at age 29. The former Eagle has been one of the most consistent running threats since entering the league, and Bills fans will be hoping he can carry the team with his juking runs back to the playoffs.
Other notable players: QB - Tyrod Taylor. TE - Charles Clay. DE - Jerry Hughes. DT - Kyle Williams. OLB - Lorenzo Alexander. CB - Tre'Davious White. S - Micah Hyde.
New Era Field
New Era Field was opened in 1973, and is located south of Buffalo. It's had a few name changes over the years: originally Rich Stadium and later Ralph Wilson Stadium.
Capacity: 71,608
To find out more about New Era Field and upcoming events, CLICK HERE
Buffalo
State: New York
Population: 256,902
Known as "The Queen City", "The Nickel City" and "The City of Good Neighbors", Buffalo is located on the shores of Lake Erie, at the head of the Niagara River in upstate New York. Its fine neoclassical, beaux arts and art deco architecture speaks to its history as an industrial capital in the early 20th century. Its landmarks include the 398-ft art deco City Hall, the Frank Lloyd Wright–designed Darwin D. Martin House and the Albright-Knox Art Gallery. The Niagara Falls is also not too far north from Buffalo, and brings in a lot of tourism.
To find out more about Buffalo, CLICK HERE
Records
Conference Champions
AFC Champions - 4
1990, 1991, 1992, 1993
Division Champions
AFL East - 3
1964, 1965, 1966
AFC East - 7
1980, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1993, 1995
Playoff Appearances - 17
AFL
1963, 1964, 1965, 1966
NFL
1974, 1980, 1981, 1988, 1989, 1990, 1991, 1992, 1993, 1995, 1996, 1998, 1999
All Time Record
(Since end of 2016 Season)
Regular Season
Wins: 400 Losses: 460 Ties: 8
Post Season
Wins: 14 Losses: 15
Total
Wins: 414 Losses: 475 Ties: 8
Hall of Famers - 10
O.J. Simpson, RB - Class of 1985
Billy Shaw, G - Class of 1999
Marv Levy, Coach - Class of 2001
Jim Kelly, QB - Class of 2002
Joe Delamielleure, G - Class of 2003
Thurmon Thomas, RB - Class of 2007
Bruce Smith, DE - Class of 2009
Ralph Wilson Jr., Owner - Class of 2009
Andre Reed, WR - Class of 2014
Bill Polian, Contributor - Class of 2015
DIVISION
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