The 2010s were not kind to the Buffalo Bills, to put it nicely. The decade was filled with turnover at key positions both on and off the field. The Bills compiled a 71-89 overall win-loss record and earned only two post-season appearances in the 2010s. Not the worse over that span, but also nothing to be excited about.
This All-Decade Team comprises a group of Bills players who produced at a high level at some point during the decade. The following players’ impact was so immense that they deserve to be recognized here.
Buffalo Bills 2010s All-Decade Offensive Team
Quarterback: Tyrod Taylor (2015-2017)
Debate him all you want. Tyrod Taylor led the Bills to their first playoff berth in 18 years. His career in Buffalo divides Bills fans and still sparks debate when he is the topic of discussion. The truth is, we know Taylor was limited as a passer. He could run, he wouldn’t turn the ball over, and he threw a nice deep-pass. Teams would often say after they beat the Bills, “Hey, we made him be a quarterback,” and that frustrating remark practically sums up the debate about Taylor amongst Bills fans.
Taylor is third all-time for the Bills in win percentage. Read that again. Here’s the list: Jim Kelly (.631), Jack Kemp (.578), Tyrod Taylor (.535). That’s it. He makes this All-Decade team ahead of Josh Allen who only played one full season in the decade and Ryan Fitzpatrick who simply didn’t win enough to get the Bills into the post-season.
Honorable Mention: Josh Allen should be a lock for the 2020 All-Decade team provided he continues his ascend.
Running Back: Fred Jackson (2007-2014), LeSean McCoy (2015-2018)
Fifth all-time on the Bills in receptions (322), Fred Jackson was the heart and soul of many Bills offenses during his tenure in Buffalo. Having been with the Bills since 2007, he still managed to score 25 touchdowns during the 2010s. Jackson was a captain on many Bills teams which depicts his leadership and also illustrates how valuable he was to previous Bills teams.
LeSean McCoy was acquired by Buffalo via trade in 2015 and made three straight Pro Bowls. He helped the Bills lead the league in rushing in back-to-back years (2015 and 2016) before eventually appearing to hit a brick wall in production. Shady was ultimately cut ahead of the 2019 season and signed by his former head coach Andy Reid with the Kansas City Chiefs.
Honorable Mention: C.J. Spiller (2010-2014) spent five years with the Bills and earned Pro Bowl honors in 2012. He gained 1,600 yards from scrimmage in 2012 but the Bills won only six games.
Wide Receiver: Steve Johnson (2008-2013), Sammy Watkins (2014-2016), Robert Woods (2013-2016)
This trio would make any quarterback look good like they often did in Buffalo over the course of their careers. Stevie Johnson would make defenders look silly with his crafty route running and yards after the catch. Sammy Watkins was a burner and probably the most talented receiver the Bills have ever employed. Robert Woods was consistent in production and also a victim of the Bills quarterback turnover. These receivers got the most out of their quarterbacks, not the other way around.
Tight End: Scott Chandler (2010, 2011-2014)
Scott Chandler caught 17 touchdown passes in Buffalo and led the Bills in receptions and receiving yards in 2013. Talk about an explosive offense. Chandler was heavily relied upon in the run-game during his time in Buffalo. His most memorable moment came versus the New York Jets in Week 12 of the 2014 season where he celebrated a touchdown by mimicking someone shoveling snow. This celebration was in reference to the deadly snowstorm that hit Western New York in November of that season.
Honorable Mention: Charles Clay (2015-2018) started off extremely productive in Buffalo, tallying over 500 receiving yards in each of his first three seasons. He fell off a cliff in production mostly due to mounting injuries. The Bills released Clay at the conclusion of the 2018 NFL Season.
Tackle: Dion Dawkins (2017-present), Cordy Glenn (2012-2017)
Dion Dawkins was part of Sean McDermott’s first draft class, easily, one of the best classes to show up in Buffalo over the course of the previous decade. He started 11 games at left tackle as a rookie. The Bills believed Dawkins would build on a solid rookie season and Cordy Glenn immediately became dispensable.
The Bills traded Glenn to the Cincinnati Bengals prior to the 2018 NFL Draft to enhance their draft status and acquire quarterback Josh Allen. Glenn went on to start at both guard and tackle for the Bengals before being released prior to the 2020 NFL Draft.
Guard: Richie Incognito (2015-2017)
Richie Incognito fit the mold for the type of team former Bills head coach Rex Ryan wanted to build in 2015. He set the tone upfront with other All-Decade teammates and helped the Bills lead the league in rushing twice during the decade. He was often the subject of TMZ in disturbing reports regarding his poor decision making.
Honorable mentions: Kraig Urbik (2010-2015). Urbik played in over 84 games during his Bills career.
Guard/Center: Eric Wood (2009-2017)
Fan favorite and current color analyst on the Buffalo Bills Radio Network, Eric Wood started his career as a guard in Buffalo. His longevity with the team easily makes him a candidate for this list, but what better center have the Bills had this decade? Wood played in 120 games for Buffalo including their lone playoff appearance and received Pro-Bowl Honors in 2015. Wood retired in 2017 after requiring career-ending neck surgery.
The future looks bright for the Buffalo Bills these days. Hopefully, the 2020s can bring more wins, more playoff appearances, and maybe even some hardware.
