There's something special about a new season in the NFL
I just can't put my finger on what makes it so special. I'm not sure if its based on this particular time of year. The leaves will begin to fall soon. Students are back in the classroom.
It's a time of new beginnings. The same can be said for all the NFL's teams.
Just like every year, each team statistically has an equal shot of playing for the Lombardi trophy in Phoenix this February since everyone is both undefeated and winless at the same time.
Despite all that optimism of a fresh start, the team I grew up cheering for will be nowhere near playing football in February unless they boot up their copy of the new Madden video game.
It all seemed so positive for the Buffalo Bills at the time of the NFL Draft in early May. While the pundits were trying to figure out what team would draft Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manziel, the Bills traded their ninth overall pick in 2014 and next season's first round pick to the Cleveland Browns to move up in the draft to select Clemson wide receiver Sammy Watkins.
As I watched the draft live, I couldn't believe my eyes. The Bills aren't usually the team to make a splash like that in the draft. Getting a player of Watkins' calibre would bolster an already developing receiver core. So what if they sacrificed a pick next year? This might push the Bills into the playoffs for the first time since 1999 and the Music City Miracle.
But there was one thing I forgot about while watching the draft. These were the Buffalo Bills. Something was going to happen to blow this season up.
All it took was one injury in the off-season to change my attitude for the season. Granted, I wasn't very optimistic as this team has hurt me many times in the past. But the small amount of hope I had was crushed when linebacker Kiko Alonso tore a ligament in his knee while training.
In his rookie season, Alonso was the heart and soul of the Bills' defence, leading the team with 159 tackles in 16 games played.The runner-up had 82 tackles. While the loss was cushioned with the signing of fellow linebacker Brandon Spikes earlier in the off-season, Alonso was developing into a special player.
Then, the pre-season began. After recovering from a knee injury suffered against Cleveland in Week 5 of the 2013 season, 2013 first-round pick E.J. Manuel was looking to make a step forward in his progression. He showed flashes of what he could bring to the team when healthy last year, but another off-season of development could only help the former Florida State pivot.
However, his pre-season numbers left a lot to be desired. He completed 60 per cent of his passes as he threw for 517 yards, one touchdown and three interceptions over the Bills' five losses. Coupled with the rib injury to Watkins, the Bills may have an offence opposing defences will be licking their chops to play against.
And as this team struggles through the season, I'll be comforted by the fact I know the Cleveland Browns will get a top-notch first-round pick from us courtesy of the Watkins trade.
Now, while the Bills have no chance, there are a few teams that have a great chance to lift the Lombardi trophy in February.
The two favourites to represent the AFC in the Super Bowl are the perennial contenders Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots.
After being embarrassed 43-8 by the Seattle Seahawks at Super Bowl XLVIII last season, the Broncos are out to make amends for their poor performance. Quarterback Peyton Manning has shown no sign of decreasing so far and has looked rejuvenated since signing with the Broncos prior to the 2012 season. He still has his main target Demaryius Thomas to throw to while Wes Welker is out due to a concussion and a four-game suspension.
On the defensive side of the ball, an already talented squad was bolstered by the addition of All-Pro defensive end and linebacker DeMarcus Ware. They also added help in the secondary by signing Aqib Talib in free agency.
In New England, the Patriots will have an easy time with their interdivisional games against the AFC East. Their offence should be stronger now that quarterback Tom Brady has his favourite target in tight-end Rob Gronkowski back from a series of injuries that cut his 2013 season short.
Defensively, the Patriots signed Darrelle Revis, one of the best cornerbacks in the league, in free agency. They will be a dangerous team come January and Brady has a strong chance of winning his fourth Super Bowl ring.
The NFC seemingly has almost five teams that could potentially come out of the conference. However, the defending champion Seahawks are still the best team in the NFC. A full season of speedy wide receiver Percy Harvin will make up for the loss of Golden Tate in free agency. Combined with developing quarterback Russell Wilson and All-Pro running back Marshawn Lynch, the offence will be able to keep their team in any game.
Defensively, Seattle's secondary - also known as the Legion of Boom - lost Brandon Browner to the Patriots, but still boast a fearsome trio in Richard Sherman, Earl Thomas III and Kam Chancellor.
With that being said, I expect the Seahawks to raise the Lombardi trophy again, this time beating the Patriots.
