1 - Predicting Buffalo's 2019 breakout player
Bleacher Report looked at players who are either entering their second, third or fourth season, or have yet to receive Pro Bowl or All-Pro honors and have yet to record a very high performing season such as 1,000-yards rushing or receiving or double-digit sacks to determine who will be this year’s breakout player.
For Buffalo, it's Tremaine Edmunds.
"In Weeks 1-8, Edmunds had an overall grade of just 47.1, but that jumped to 70.5 over the last eight games of the season," wrote PFF's Ben Linsey. "He especially improved in coverage; Edmunds improved his passer rating when targeted mark from 111.5 in the first half of the season to 68.7 over the second half of the season. That late improvement gives a reason for optimism heading into next year."
Edmunds was the 16th overall pick in the 2018 NFL draft and had two interceptions a sack and 43 tackles in just the month of December last season. Edmunds progressed to get better each week on the field and should be poised to lead the defense at middle linebacker again this season.
2 - Buffalo Bills Legend Douglas Goodwin passes away
Former Buffalo Bill, Douglas Goodwin passed away this past weekend. Goodwin was a member of the 1965 Championship team after being selected in the 11th round of the 1965 AFL Draft.
Goodwin isn't known for his production on the field but for the gathering of the Buffalo community to support him in his time of need. Goodwin was battling heart disease and needed a transplant.
Goodwin could not afford the costs of the $150,000-$200,000 operation, which didn't include $100,000 needed for the subsequent year of after-care of the $30,000 annual cost of medication needed to prevent rejection of the organ.
His cardiologist, Dr. Ulrich Jorde, stepped in and contacted the Bills in March of 2001 to explain the circumstances. The Bills alumni office sent out a fax to former players and the next day former Bills quarterback Jack Kemp offered to pay for everything.
Kemp felt a moral obligation to help his former teammate. Former owner Ralph Wilson, several NFL organizations and former teammates pledged nearly $40,000 additionally to Goodwin's cause.
Goodwin was placed on the national transplant list and on Sept. 11, 2001 received his new heart.
Goodwin's heart took off a plane from Logan Airport just minutes before American Flight 11 and United Flight 175 had taken off. Goodwin's heart landed at Teterboro airport at 8:35 that morning, at 8:46 American Flight 11 hit into the World Trade Center's North Tower.
Goodwin woke up on Sept. 12, 30 hours after he went under anesthesia. He had no idea what happened while he was in surgery.
Goodwin's story is just one of the few bright spots from that day. His new heart allowed him to live an additional 18 years he was able to see his son Douglas Goodwin Jr. play football professionally.
3 - Which sophomore quarterback will win the most games in 2019?
Every quarterback drafted in the first-round of the 2018 draft made at least seven starts last season. Out of games started, Baker Mayfield led the pack with six-wins each, Josh Allen had five, Sam Darnold had four and Josh Rosen had three.
Now the question opens for who have the most wins this season. NFL.com writer Michael Robinson believes in Allen.
All five of these young quarterbacks will see success at one point or another, but 2019 is Josh Allen's year to shine. He'll lead the Bills to an 11-5 record and playoff berth. Baker Mayfield's Browns and Lamar Jackson's Ravens won't be far behind.
Robinson also added his praise toward the construction of the roster.
I really like how GM Brandon Beane and head coach Sean McDermott have built this team from the trenches out, adding center Mitch Morse, guard Quinton Spain and rookie guard/tackle Cody Ford on offense, as well as an aggressive pass rusher in first-round draft pick Ed Oliver. The Bills' big offseason additions will allow them to play a physical brand of football. Buffalo won't be flashy but will surprise a lot of teams this season.
