Owens fills just one hole on the Bills
March 12
Buffalo News columnist Allen Wilson
"We interrupt the Terrell Owens lovefest to give you this important bulletin: Owens isn't the answer to all of the Buffalo Bills' problems.
Without question, the signing of Owens is a sign that the Bills are determined —or is it desperate—to end their nine-year playoff drought. It doesn't matter that he brings a reputation as a malcontent. This is only a one-year risk, not a long-term gamble. Bills fans are so giddy they're willing to overlook Owens' character flaws if he helps the offense score more touchdowns.
However, what has gotten lost in the euphoria of Owens' arrival is the fact that the Bills still have a number of issues that haven't been addressed.
Besides Owens, they have signed a starting center in Geoff Hangartner, a backup to quarterback Trent Edwards in Ryan Fitzpatrick and a nickel cornerback in Drayton Florence. All were good acquisitions, though Hangartner has the most pressure to perform or the Bills will be second-guessed for not going after Jake Grove, signed by the Miami Dolphins, or Jason Brown, signed by the St. Louis Rams.
While we're on the subject of offensive linemen, it is important to point out that the Bills haven't filled the hole created by the release of underperforming left guard Derrick Dockery. In fact, Hangartner and right guard Brad Butler are the only interior offensive linemen under contract. They could use more depth at offensive tackle.
I know this will sound like a broken record, but when is a new contract for left tackle Jason Peters going to get done? This is an unpopular issue, judging from my e-mails, but if Edwards is going to keep Owens happy with a steady diet of passes, Edwards will need Peters to keep him upright.
The Owens-Lee Evans tandem has big possibilities, but it would be even better if the Bills had a tight end who could stretch the deep middle of the field. The free agent crop is so thin the answer will have to come in the draft.
The Bills want a third running back to back up Fred Jackson while Marshawn Lynch serves his expected NFL suspension. DeShaun Foster is still out there.
On the defensive side, a pass-rushing end would be nice. So would a playmaker at outside linebacker. More competition at safety wouldn't hurt either. "
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