Playoff-hopeful Bills' fate rests on Edwards' arm

Taking over as a No. 1 quarterback in your second NFL season can be overwhelming for any young passer. You have to win over the huddle. You have to win over the coaches. Then there are the fans, and we know they can be downright brutal.

We've seen many a quarterback wilt under the pressure, shuffling off to the land of the journeyman, the expectations crushing their psyche like a foot stomp of an empty beer can.

Trent Edwards can understand the love affair Buffalo fans have with the Bills. (Getty Images)

Trent Edwards doesn't seem to be one of those guys. Taking over as the starting quarterback of the Buffalo Bills last year, Edwards enters his second season eager to show that he belongs for the long term. He relishes his position.

"I like the challenge," Edwards said. "I'd rather it be me be in this position than any other guy in the locker room. It's why you play the position. I wouldn't say you enjoy the pressure, but you grow accustomed to it. Whether you're a 10-year veteran or a rookie, the players want to see you back up the talk, no matter how old you are."

The Bills are one of those "trendy" teams heading into the 2008 season. They made big strides last year, going 7-9 with a team hampered by injuries. With most of the injured players back, plus the addition of some key players in the draft, the Bills are a team on the rise.

Playing in a division with the New England Patriots, they probably can only wish for a division title. But if things work out, a wild-card spot isn't out of the possibility.

The Bills have a solid running game led by Marshawn Lynch, a pretty good offensive line, a top receiver in Lee Evans and a rookie receiver in James Hardy who will help take some coverage away from Evans.

On defense, there is a lot of young talent. The addition of defensive tackle Marcus Stroud and first-round cornerback Leodis McKelvin gives that side even more.

Dare we say it: The Bills in the playoffs?

That possibility rests on Edwards' right arm. The Bills are one of those "if" teams. If Edwards plays well, who knows what they can do? If he doesn't, the Bills will be doing the same post-Jim Kelly dance: looking again for that franchise passer.

"That's the way it's been since I was in high school," Edwards said. "The quarterback is what makes every team go. It's no different on this level."

Buffalo finished 30th in total offense last year. At times, it was painful to watch. The Bills rarely took shots down the field and were as cold and predictable as a Buffalo winter.

Edwards had two stints as a starter, taking over for J.P. Losman early in the season when Losman was hurt. He got hurt himself, then got his job back for good to close the season.