There was once a time when the price of Bills’ season tickets was justified by the product on the field.
However, those days of super bowl runs and division titles have been largely absent since Jim Kelly
retired in 1996.
The last decade and a half of Bills football has been plagued by egregious events on and off the field,
along with dubious personnel decisions by upper-management. Now, with multiple marquee free agent
signings this past offseason and a widely applauded draft haul, early indications are that 2012 could be
the year the Bills finally turn things around.
Fielding a team that currently holds the NFL’s longest postseason drought – the Bills last appeared in
2000 – there hasn’t been this much optimism among Bills’ fans since the Doug Flutie era.
For most college students, the heyday of Buffalo football was played before or soon after they were
born. It’s been mostly abysmal play ever since. But as Bob Dylan once wrote, “The times they are a-
changin.” Now is the time for fans to reinvest time and money into the Bills.
No matter how bad the product on the field is, Bills games are always a blast. The Bills have some of the
league’s most passionate and loyal fans. In the past, one or two games a year had to be sufficient, as the
fun did not always warrant the augmenting prices of tickets. This year is the time to act on shelling out
for season tickets, though.
Call me crazy, but the make-up of this year’s roster is reminiscent of the one assembled in the late ’80s
and early ’90s. Owner Ralph Wilson finally opened his checkbook and gave General Manager Buddy Nix
the freedom to persuade top free agents with big money. Nix brought Mario Williams in for a three-day
visit and laid down an inexorable full-court press to get him to sign the richest deal in Bills’ history.
For the sake of argument, with his proven track record through six years in the NFL, he serves at least as
marginal comparison to Bruce Smith.
With one-half of the outside pass rush covered, Nix then signed speed rusher Mark Anderson to play
with the likes of Williams, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus to create one of the more intimidating
defensive lines in the league.
How well the line plays is the key to the success of the defense. If they can get a constant penetration on
run plays and a four-man pass rush, the defense will keep them in games.
The New York Giants have set the blueprint on how to beat elite teams with potent passing attacks the
past few seasons. You can bet the Giants’ Super Bowl victories over Tom Brady and the Patriots factored
into Nix’ decision to spend big on the defensive line.
An improved defensive line is sure to improve the linebackers and secondary, but it will also help create
consistency on offense.
It has been reported that new quarterbacks coach David Lee is working hard with quarterback Ryan
Fitzpatrick to improve the 29-year-old’s throwing mechanics.
Believe it or not, Fitzpatrick’s career stats are strikingly similar to Kelly, a Hall of Famer. Fitzpatrick’s
3,832 passing yards last year was a total matched by Kelly just once and his 24 touchdown passes just
three times. With an improved defense getting the offense on the field more and not putting so much
pressure on Fitz to throw the ball while playing from behind, he can only get better.
The running game is also worth noting. While the great Bills teams of the early 90s had Thurman
Thomas, this season’s squad features Fred Jackson and C.J. Spiller. With both healthy and producing, it
will take a lot of pressure off Fitzpatrick and add a dynamic element to the offense.
The Bills have their mold of Andre Reed, too. Though one of the all-time great receivers, Reed never
posted consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. Stevie Johnson has. A prolific route-runner, Johnson makes life
easier for Fitz by creating space and separation with his cunning foot and body work.
The talent the team boasts, combined with the shared ethos with the blue-collar town, has resonated
well with ticket sales. Before individual game tickets went on sale to the public, the first two home
games were sold out, though season tickets are still available to see all seven games at Ralph Wilson
Stadium.
I was not around in 1989, but I have to imagine 2012 feels a lot like then in terms of being a Bills fan.
Both showcase an up-and-coming team ready to put behind years of torture and torment behind them.
Wilson, 93, stated he wants to see his organization win their first Super Bowl before he passes on. That
is why his order of business has changed from passive and cheap to aggressive and lavish.
He is putting a lot of money into his team and expecting results. I think this tight-knit group of players is
competent enough to end the 12-year playoff vacancy because they all seem determined and willing to
get better.
With the franchise finally putting effort and money into the operation, I am now willing to do the same
and return the favor. After years of contemplating, I decided to purchase season tickets for the first time
for the upcoming season.
The Bills have spent money for not only the organization, but for the fan as well. If you are a fan, I
suggest you take a hard look at returning the favor as well. The times sure are changing, and you should
consider being there to that change.
Aaron Garland can be reached by email at garland.record@live.com.