ProFootballCentral.com

By PFC Bills WriterJohn Franklin Jr.

With training camp just 18 days away Bills 3rd year safety Donte Whitner had a huge statement for the nation. When asked if he expects the Bills to make the playoffs, He said, “I guarantee it“. It was a bold statement made by a man who has showed this off season he is ready to break out and become the leader the Bills desperately need on defense. Drafted #8 overall out of Ohio St. in 2006, many called the pick a reach by the Bills, turns out he was no reach. NFL.com named him to their all rookie team in 2006 and Pro Football Weekly did the same, In September that year he was named rookie of the week also.

With some great additions to the defense this off season (Stroud,Mitchell) the Bills have stated that instead of playing Whitner up at the line so much to stop the run, they will use him how they originally planned, all over the field. The two safeties will be interchangeable. Whitner will play both SS and FS, confusing opposing offenses as to where he will be. I think this is Whitners breakout season, he better hope so after guaranteeing the playoffs. The national media is taking the Bills as a joke and laughed at Whitners statement. We will have to wait and see who laughs last, I believe it will be Whitner and his hungry Buffalo teammates.

Afterall with 14 players on Injured Reserve last year the Bills still managed to go 7-9 and came close to going to the postseason before losing their final three games. They ended the season with a 4th string safety George Wilson, who was converted that year from wide receiver. With this kind of depth on defense who knows how good this unit could be, I think ESPN better sit up and take notice, this may be the year of the Buffalo. I’m not guaranteeing a Superbowl title just yet, but damn it I’m with Donte, we’re heading back to the playoffs!!!!! Well at least I have no pressure on me.