Oh, Line.

The 2008 Buffalo Bills were putrid in the interior of their offensive line, a fact made exponentially worse by the slew of nasty nose tackles they faced. Sean Rodgers, Vince Willfork, and Kris Jenkins treated our wimp Centers like T-bone steaks at an all you could eat buffet. They went back for seconds so many times that they were asked to leave.

I was glad to see us address the interior of the o-line in the draft, taking two big, nasty maulers in the first two rounds. I have mild concern about losing Jason Peters and replacing him with Langston 'Panda Bear' Walker, but I just don't think Peters was motivated to play in Buffalo. His play was mediocre at best last year, and his pro bowl nod came solely based upon the fact that he made it the year before. I am convinced that those who vote for the pro bowl are too lazy to do the research and often send the o-linemen whose names they have heard of. How else do you explain Ruben Brown going to Hawaii 8 years in a row? I will concede that 2 years ago, Jason Peters played like a beast, he is still very young, and franchise LTs don't grow on trees. But, it was an irreconcilable situation, and I only wish we got more in return.

The first thing about our O-line that bothers me going into this season is the complete lack of continuity. None of our projected starters played their projected positions for the Bills last year. 4 of the 5 guys occupying the top slots on the depth chart will be playing, effectively brand new positions (Walker moving from RT to LT, Wood from C to RG, Levitre from LT to LG, and Butler from RG to RT). I would be nervous enough if we were just relying on two rookies, but this musical chairs on our O-line makes me especially shaky. Our line was barely serviceable last year and our run blocking was embarrassing. Are we any better this year? Lets look at it position by position:

Left Tackle - 2008: Jason Peters (C+) allowed a butt load of sacks when he graced us with his presence on the field (He missed the first game of the season recovering from the surgery that removed his agent from his anal cavity, and the last two games because he didn't feel like playing) 2009: Langston Walker (C+) has been durable and solid. He will struggle with speed rushers, but we don't face a premier Right End until week 8 when Mario Williams and the Texans come to the Ralph. By then, he should be either hurt or fully adjusted to the switch. He's a smart guy and I don't think we'll see a noticeable fall off.

Left Guard - 2008: Derrick Dockery (D) was terrible. He didn't hold up the pocket on passing plays or make a single run block that got us tough yards on third down. He was a miserable signing. 2009: Andy Levitre (C+) will have to adjust to moving inside, and learning an NFL offense. I think he can do it, and NLF network's Mike Mayock rated him the best guard in the draft.... so, we'll see. I like thinking about him and Wood will look 2,3,4 years down the road. This year, there promises to be some growing pains.

Center - Fowler/Preston (F-) sucked so bad. I hate both of them and wish Duke Preston nothing but the worst in everything he does in life. If you are going to be a loudmouth deuchebag, at least be good at your job. Sick move signing with Green Bay... of all the NFL cities, you have now lived in Buffalo, NY and Green Bay, Wisconsin. Everyone there will hate you in due time, you are the worst player in the NFL. I heard you chose the Center position after asking your high school guidance counselor, "What is the job where I can have a strapping man's hand up my ass?" I hate you, Duke Preston. 2009: Geoeffe Hangartner (C), I have never heard of him, he's started like 8 games in his career, and the Bills front office acted like signing him was a huge deal... hope he's good.

Right Guard - 2008: Brad Butler (C), when he was healthy, he was fine. The problem is that he is never healthy for a full season. 2009: Eric Wood (B) is obviously an unknown as a rookie, but the tape I have seen on him makes it seem like he is NFL ready. I wish he was playing his natural position at Center, but I think his physicality will help open up running lanes for Marshawn and Fredo.

Right Tackle - 2008: L. Walker (B) was good and durable. Limited in his run blocking, but was probably our most valuable 0-lineman last year. 2009: Brad Butler (B) has a chance to be good at the position where he played in college. He is big enough to play tackle.

So, it looks like this year's line should approximate last years, with the interior of the line showing some potential for improvement. The real strength of our line this year looks to be its depth. With Bell, Chambers, and Mckinney as capable, versatile back ups waiting for the injury that is sure to come, I feel confident that Trent should have sufficient time to throw. I do not think that any of our tight ends are good enough blockers to help out our tackles and pick up say Joey Porter rushing around the edge. But, spreading the field out with 4 and 5 WR sets should serve to reduce the frequency with which opposing defenses will stack the box.

Overall, I think our O-line will be just good enough to not be a glaring deficiency and our coaches need to help them out with some creative play calling. We're screwed....