Addition by subtraction? Seems more like subtraction at this point. The Buffalo Bills have holes: linebacker, cornerback, maybe defensive tackle, and wide reciever and now the biggest hole, running back.
Mcgahee was aloof. He was going to be a free agent at the end of the 2007 season. Willis never lived up to his potential. Take away his 2004 season and watching him the last two seasons anyone would ask, what's the big deal with this bum? What down is it, what time does the team serve lunch before a game, is Vilma playing? Willis seemed like he didn't want to be here from the beginning. Since 2004 Bills fans counted down the days till he would be a free agent, or hold out. We aren't stupid, we know Rosehaus, we know who is clients are.
The trade on paper was a good one. Three draft picks for a player estranged with the team and rumors of only one pick probably in the 3rd round. Levy didn't give any explanation for the trade but got two 3rd round picks and a 7th. Willis was drafted in the first round, had to sit out a year, but what does that have to do with the team now? That was the Donahoe era, and this is the Levy era. As stated, the trade is good on paper, but in reality was it a good trade for the Bills?
In the short term, this trade doesn't help the Buffalo Bills compete for the playoffs in 2007. More changes, more movement, no continuity, it doesn't seem conducive to winning. I don't buy the addition by subtraction until it works, Levy and Jauron want "high charecter" guys. We'll see how this high character squad does this season.
The timing of the trade factors in also. The number of free agent running backs is weak at best. The three relatively big names , Dillon (old probably washed up, basket case at times), Chris Brown(injury prone, hasn't proven anything), Dom Rhodes( DWI, wife beater, never a real starter, not wanted by his old team) these guys aren't givin' anyone a boner. Furthermore, the draft for running backs according to experts is relatively weak and with the other holes on this squad, its tough to go running back first round.
The solution is bring in Rhodes or Brown or even someone else tin addition and look at the 2nd or 3rd round for a running back. Anthony Thomas isn't the answer, and no one player is the real solution, but recent history tells that running back by committee can work (see Indy).
Losing Willis doesn't sink this ship, and probably will help this team if some solid RBs are brought in, but the questions that surround the position scare me. The ball is in Levy/Jauron's court.
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