The 2017 NFL season marked a significant turning point for the Buffalo Bills, a team that had not seen a playoff berth since 1999. As the season unfolded, fans witnessed a mix of excitement, disappointment, and ultimately, a glimpse of hope for the future. This guide delves into the intricacies of the Bills’ 2017 roster and schedule, offering insights into the team’s strategy, performance, and the factors that influenced their journey.
Introduction to the 2017 Roster
The 2017 Buffalo Bills roster was a blend of veteran leadership and young talent, with key positions filled by players who would later become staples of the team. On offense, the Bills were led by quarterback Tyrod Taylor, who brought a unique blend of arm strength and mobility. The running back corps was anchored by LeSean McCoy, a dynamic player capable of dominating games on the ground and through the air. The receiving unit, while not as deep as other teams, had potential with players like Sammy Watkins, who, despite his injury-plagued career, showed flashes of brilliance when on the field.
Defensively, the Bills boasted a formidable front four, with Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams providing the push up the middle, and Jerry Hughes and Shaq Lawson manning the edges. The secondary, led by safeties Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer, brought a level of stability and playmaking ability that had been lacking in previous seasons. This balance of veteran experience and youthful energy aimed to propel the Bills towards a successful season.
Schedule Breakdown
The 2017 schedule presented the Bills with a mix of challenges and opportunities. The season opened with a home game against the New York Jets, a divisional opponent that the Bills would face twice during the year. Key matchups included games against the Atlanta Falcons, the Kansas City Chiefs, and the New England Patriots, the dominant force in the AFC East.
Given the strength of their division, the Bills knew they had to perform well against non-divisional opponents to secure a playoff spot. The schedule also featured games against the NFC South, a division that included the likes of the Carolina Panthers and the New Orleans Saints, both of which were capable of making deep postseason runs.
Performance Highlights and Lowlights
The 2017 season was marked by periods of brilliance and stretches of struggles. The Bills started the season strong, with victories over the Jets and the Denver Broncos. However, they followed this with a string of losses, including a heartbreaking defeat at the hands of the Cincinnati Bengals. The team’s resilience was tested, but they managed to regroup and string together a series of wins that kept their playoff hopes alive.
One of the defining moments of the season came in Week 17, when the Bills faced the Miami Dolphins. Needing a win to secure a potential playoff spot, the Bills came from behind to win the game, thanks in part to a crucial interception by safety Jordan Poyer. This victory, combined with a loss by the Baltimore Ravens, propelled the Bills into the playoffs for the first time in nearly two decades.
Roster Moves and Their Impact
Throughout the season, the Bills made several roster moves aimed at bolstering their lineup. The acquisition of wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin from the Carolina Panthers was intended to provide Taylor with another target, but the move had limited impact due to injuries and chemistry issues. The defensive line saw the addition of defensive tackle Adolphus Washington, who contributed to the team’s pass rush but also faced disciplinary issues off the field.
The most significant move, however, might have been the benching of Tyrod Taylor in favor of Nathan Peterman, a rookie quarterback. This decision backfired spectacularly, as Peterman threw five interceptions in the first half of his first start, leading to a loss against the Los Angeles Chargers. This move highlighted the challenges of developing a quarterback and the importance of patience in player development.
Season Conclusion and Future Outlook
The Buffalo Bills’ 2017 season ended with a Wild Card loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars, a game marked by defensive struggles and an inability to capitalize on offensive opportunities. Despite the disappointing conclusion, the season marked a turning point for the franchise. It showed that, with the right mix of talent and leadership, the Bills could compete at a high level.
The offseason that followed saw significant changes, including the departure of Tyrod Taylor and the eventual drafting of Josh Allen, who would become the face of the franchise. The Bills also made several key free agent signings and trades, signaling a commitment to building a team that could consistently challenge for a playoff spot.
In conclusion, the 2017 Buffalo Bills season was a complex tapestry of highs and lows, marked by significant moments of triumph and periods of struggle. It set the stage for the team’s future development, serving as a reminder of the challenges and opportunities that come with rebuilding a team in the National Football League.
Who was the starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills in 2017?
+Tyrod Taylor was the primary starting quarterback for the Buffalo Bills during the 2017 NFL season, though he was briefly benched in favor of Nathan Peterman.
What was the significance of the 2017 season for the Buffalo Bills?
+The 2017 season marked the end of a nearly two-decade playoff drought for the Buffalo Bills, as they secured a Wild Card spot in the AFC.
Who were some key additions to the Buffalo Bills’ roster in 2017?
+Key additions included wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who was acquired in a mid-season trade, and safety Jordan Poyer, who was a free agent signing and played a crucial role in the team’s secondary.
