The young studs
The one goup of starters that is to be the youngest on the field at the start of the season is the linebackers. However, they are not just your ordinary bunch of rookies that people hope that will just barely get things done.
The feeling around the media is that the starters will be better off this year than last year, and that is the correct thinking. London Fletcher-Baker is on the back side of his career, and is a bit smallish. Once, his skills diminish even more than pretty much he will be just another guy. The other starter being gone is Takeo Spikes. Spikes last year was a mere shadow of himself.
However, there was one starter that was a bright spot, and that is Angelo Crowell. The weakside linebacker was on a tackle pace equivalent to Fletcher-Baker. However, he is a weakside backer and some plays on the strong side he will not be able to get to. With it being his second year as a starter do not bbe surprised if he goes to the probowl if he stays healthy all year.
The strong side linebakcer will be filled by Keith Ellison. Ellison saw some starting time last year due in part to a pulled hamstring injury suffered by Takeo Spikes. Ellison proved in his short time that he can perform at the same level that Spikes did last year. If anyhting he should be an upgrade over Spikes with him just being in his second year.
The middle linebacker spot will be the most watched position of the three. This is due in part of the expectation that Paul Posluszny will be the starter this year. It will be his second season after his acl surgery. Most athletes in their second year after reconstructive ACL surgery perform very well. Considering the fact that Posluszny performed well last year bodes great for Bills fans.
The linebackers should be a group to watch this year, especially if the defensive linemen in front of them improve.