Buffalo Bills General Manager Buddy Nix had a long State of the Bills session with reports this week to talk about plans for the future.
“My expectations are that we’ll take a big step,” Nix said when asked if the Bills would be a playoff team next season. “If we get these guys back who are injured, and we add to this mix, we should take a big step next year.”
The Bills started the season 5-2, with big victories over the Patriots, Raiders and Eagles, but were hampered by key injuries and went on a 7 game losing streak before beating Denver down the stretch. Buffalo lost Fred Jackson for the season, who was having an MVP-caliber year, along with defensive leader safety George Wilson, and had a rash of injuries at wide receiver.
On the topic of receivers, Nix indicated that the Bills do want to bring back Stevie Johnson, who’s contract is up.
“He fits in, we do want him back, and I know that you think about the antics, penalties and obviously we’re not happy about that,” Nix said. “I don’t think he would intentionally do something to hurt our team, I really don’t.”
“That doesn’t affect what we’re trying to get done with him.”
On the defense, he said that he expects new defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt to switch to the 4-3 defense as a base, but that he believes the Bills personnel are well suited to make that change.
“I don’t think it’s as big a deal as everyone wants to make it,” said Nix. “You need to get players who are playmakers and put them in a position where they can play. Sounds simple, but that’s the key to it.”
Nix remains optimistic looking forward to next season, and if their play in the first 7 games was an indicator, they have they have the talent to be a serious playoff contender. They need to avoid key injuries, and add depth so that they are better positioned to weather the inevitable injuries that will occur.
“I’m disappointed that we didn’t take more strides,” Nix said.
