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2017 NFL power rankings: Patriots lead the way

By Russell S. Baxter

Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 2, 2017; Houston, TX, USA; A general overall view of NRG Stadium with graphics featuring New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) and Atlanta Falcons quarterback Matt Ryan (2) prior to Super Bowl LI. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at New Era Field. Bills beat the Browns 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 18, 2016; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills running back LeSean McCoy (25) runs with the ball during the second half against the Cleveland Browns at New Era Field. Bills beat the Browns 33-13. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports /
19

Buffalo Bills 7-9

Last week: 3rd, AFC East
Last rank: 19th

Looking Back: Rex Ryan didn’t even make it through his second season with the Bills. Two years under his guidance produced a combined 15 victories. And keep in mind that this was a club that boasted a 4-2 record after six games. The defense was even more troublesome than in 2015. Now this franchise once again has a new head coach.

Looking Forward: It is little wonder that this franchise hasn’t been to the playoffs this century. The lack of continuity both at head coach and at quarterback has derailed this club for more than a decade. Now it’s up to former Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Sean McDermott to get this franchise to the postseason for the first time since 1999. There’s more than enough talent on defense here but it needs to be properly utilized. And remember that 2016 second-round pick Reggie Ragland missed his rookie year. He could be an immediate impact player at the inside linebacking spot.

Offseason needs: Settling on a quarterback would be a good start for this underachieving club. It’s safe to say that Tyrod Taylor has earned the job but it doesn’t appear to be an opinion shared by everyone on the club. But general manager Doug Whaley also has some work to do in regards to his wide-receiving corps. It was an up-and-down year for Sammy Watkins in terms of healthy. More significantly, the quartet of Robert Woods, Marquise Goodwin, Justin Hunter and Brandon Tate are all potential unrestricted free agents come March. And linebackers Zach Brown and Lorenzo Alexander could also headed elsewhere as well.

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