The Associated Press
BUFFALO BILLS (6-10)
New faces: WRs rookie Sammy Watkins and Mike Williams, LBs Brandon Spikes and Keith Rivers, DB Corey Graham, RB Bryce Brown, defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, DL coach Pepper Johnson.
Key losses: LB Kiko Alonso, S Jairus Byrd, WR Stevie Johnson, defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, Hall of Fame owner Ralph Wilson.
Strengths: DL, RB, WR.
Weaknesses: QB, OL, S.
What’s New: Defense switching to more conventional 4-3 scheme under Schwartz, former Lions coach who took over after Pettine left to become Browns head coach. Though Bills set franchise record with 57 sacks last season, they struggled stopping run by allowing 150-plus yards rushing seven times. Schwartz’s defenses have solid track record against run, and addition of Spikes in middle should help plug holes.
Expectations: Bills hope to end NFL’s longest current non-play drought of 14 seasons, but have plenty of work just to get out of AFC East cellar.
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