It’s do-or-die time for Bills’ Losman

By Connor Byrne  |   Wednesday, October 31, 2007  |  Comments( 61 )

Buffalo Bills
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans!
Without question, the 2007 NFL season hasn't exactly gone according to plan for Buffalo Bills quarterback J.P. Losman, who came into the year expecting to finally break out and become one of the league's top passers. During the final nine games of last season, Losman led the Bills to a 5-4 record and threw an impressive 13 touchdowns against eight interceptions, demonstrating marked improvement over a significant period of time.

Because of the strides he took in 2006, his third year in the league, some, including ESPN's Sean Salisbury, referred to Losman as the league's most improved player. Unfortunately for the 26-year-old, he began '07 with two consecutive losses, throwing for only 251 yards in the process.

Then, almost as soon as the Bills' Week 3 game began in New England, Losman was knocked out by Patriots defensive tackle Vince Wilfork, who delivered a questionable hit to the quarterback's knee. As a result, rookie Trent Edwards came in and impressed, amassing a 2-1 record as a starter over three games.

But Edwards, in a 3-3 tie, got hurt in the fourth quarter of last weekend's contest against the Jets, and Losman took advantage of his opportunity to reenter Buffalo's starting lineup. On five attempts, Losman completed three passes for 113 yards and a touchdown. In the process, he guided the Bills to 10 points and a 13-3 win, improving them to 3-4.

On Tuesday, Bills head coach Dick Jauron indicated that Edwards, who sprained his right wrist, would not be healthy enough to play in this Sunday's game versus 2-5 Cincinnati. That means the cannon-armed Losman will have another opportunity to prove that the last nine weeks of '06 weren't a fluke.

While it's true Losman's pocket presence and poise both need improvement, one can't deny his athleticism or arm strength. In fact, the 6-foot-2, 217-pounder might be the best deep-ball thrower in the league, which was shown plenty of times last year when Losman completed long passes to No. 1 receiver Lee Evans, who finished with 82 catches for 1,200-plus yards and eight touchdowns.

Because of the relationship he has developed with Losman (both were 2004 first-round picks), Evans -- who has only 22 catches and one touchdown this year -- voiced his opinion on multiple occasions that Edwards, the rookie, shouldn't have taken Losman's starting job.

"Take it with a grain of salt, but when J.P. is healthy, it's still his position to lose. I think J.P. has played well given the circumstances," Evans said in early October.

"In my opinion, it's his job," he continued.

Against the floundering Bengals, whose pass defense is rated 28th in the league, Losman and Evans will have a chance to officially revisit their on-field connection for an entire game. They did for a quarter in New York, with Losman heaving a jump ball to Evans, who ripped it away from Jets cornerback Darrelle Revis and waltzed into the end zone for an 85-yard, game-clinching score.

Considering how poor the Bengals' secondary is, don't be surprised if Losman seizes the moment in a big way and puts up outstanding numbers this weekend. After all, Edwards isn't going to be injured forever, and patience has worn thin with Losman, particularly from within the Bills' organization.

Quite simply, it's a do-or-die situation for a quarterback who went from being the franchise's future, present and past in a span of three-plus years. This Sunday, Losman once again has a chance to stake his claim as Buffalo's present and future under center.

RealFootball365.com: Your Internet destination for honest, objective commentary on the Buffalo Bills.
Got something to say?

Log In above and share your thoughts on this topic with other fans! (61)

About Connor Byrne

Sorry, Connor Byrne's bio is currently not available. Please check back soon!
read more
Article Tools Share!   |  RSS  |  Bleacher Report About Bleacher Report
CommentsComments: 61  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Nate		08:38 AM
10/31/2007
Connor, I'm impressed. A fair and balanced article on the subject of the Buffalo Bills quarterback! I honestly don't know if JP...
No.2
rich (the real one. the original one)		09:33 AM
10/31/2007
OH BOY! im starting to get the feeling that this sunday is going to be an absolute shootout. im hoping Grant W's boy, JP, can...
No.3
j_baw		09:34 AM
10/31/2007
I think this week will not only prove to be JP's break out week, but also M.Lynch. Cinci has such a bar D and will have to...
Team News  |  View All Bills Content
Manning to the Bills?
Why not? Now that the Colts have rid themselves of the Polian family,...
3 weeks, 1 day ago   |   Manning to the Bills? ( 256 )
Nix needs to fix the Bills p...
In 2010, Buddy Nix and Chan Gailey were banking on Aaron Schobel to tr...
3 weeks, 3 days ago   |   Nix needs to fix the Bills pass rushing problems ( 28 )
Stop the Revolving Door!
Wade Phillips, current Texans D- Coordinator - Playoffs. Mike Mularkey...
1 month, 1 week ago   |   Stop the Revolving Door! ( 191 )
Is a Bills Succession Plan g...
In the wake of talks from NFL experts stating that there are going to...
1 month, 1 week ago   |   Is a Bills Succession Plan going to take effect in 2012? ( 89 )
Bills 1st half results
Last year after 8 games, the Bills were a miserable 0-8. This year aft...
3 months ago   |   Bills 1st half results ( 625 )