Ricotta Rectifies Retirements by Retooling

Offseason moves may keep the Bills competitive
By "Kent Hull IV"

Off-Season 2106 (Orchard Park, NY) - From what has been one of the most questionable offseasons for the Buffalo Bills comes a ray of hope. The Biils, hit hard by key retirements and poor roster decisions at the end of last season, are at risk of losing their grip on the AFC. But a few key moves may keep this team competitive.

Knowing QB Morgan Capper was entering his 5yr season and was eligible for a Franchise tag, GM Mark ricotta inexplicably placed star DL Coleman Sites in the DE1 slot, relegating 9yr DL Kirby Fine to DT2. 'I gambled and lost. I was hoping both players would stick around, but Kirby had other plans. He wasn't happy. So instead of being able to willingly grant Sites his wish to play for his hometown team in Cincinnati, it became a much tougher decision. But we had to open an FP slot for Capper. At the end of the day, we got our FP slot and Sites got his wish. Our DL took a beating. But I think we recovered well.'

The recovery Ricotta alluded to was hiring a new Defensive Coordinator and trading for a key DT. The Bills hired former defensive line star Berkeley Grimsley to install a 3-4 scheme after running a 4-3 for so many seasons. They then made a late deal for Houston DT Roland Sheridan. He immediately fills the starting DT slot with Greg Bickett and Marcus Hollier in the DE positions on either side. Promising 3yr man Norbert Darling, who was slated for the starting DT slot, will serve as Sheridan's backup.

With the major upgrades in Cincinnati, Baltimore and New England, the Bills have felt pressure to keep up. Losing key personnel at the OL, DL and RB positions will also make it difficult. 7yr RB Derwin Thomsen will try to fill Roger Koffard's shoes, although it has not been decided if he will play HB or FB. Additionally, promising young OL David Steffens will slide into the G slot opened up with the departure of Tony Orazio.

Will the offseason moves be enough? That's the question on every Bills fan's mind entering the 2106 season. Stay tuned.

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