Harman Patil (Editor)

1987 Buffalo Bills season

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Head coach
  
Marv Levy

Owner
  
Ralph Wilson

Record
  
7–8

General manager
  
Bill Polian

Home field
  
Rich Stadium

Division place
  
4th AFC East

The 1987 Buffalo Bills season was the 28th season for the club and its 18th in the National Football League (NFL).

Contents

On October 31, 1987, the Los Angeles Rams traded Eric Dickerson to the Indianapolis Colts in a three team trade involving the Bills. The Rams sent Dickerson to the Colts for six draft choices and two players. Buffalo obtained the rights to Cornelius Bennett from Indianapolis. Buffalo sent running back Greg Bell and three draft choices to the Rams, while Indianapolis added Owen Gill and three of their own draft picks to complete the deal with the Rams. Adding Bennett to the team helped to form the nucleus for a strong young defensive unit that would become the core of Buffalo's later Super Bowl teams.

NFL draft

Buffalo's first two draft picks—linebacker Shane Conlan and defensive back Nate Odomes—would later go on to make to have a great deal of impact on Buffalo's defense. Conlan was named 1987 Defensive Rookie of the Year; he would be selected to three consecutive Pro Bowls, from the 1988–1990 seasons. Odomes would be selected to consecutive Pro Bowls in 1992 and 1993.

Another impactful rookie, Cornelius Bennett, was drafted by Indianapolis in 1987, before being traded to Buffalo.

Regular season

Cornerback Nate Odomes was the youngest starting defensive player in the NFL. It was also his rookie season.

Passing

Note: Comp = Completions; ATT = Attempts; TD = Touchdowns; INT = Interceptions

Defense

Note: FR = Fumble Recoveries; TCKL = Tackles; INT = Interceptions; TD = Touchdowns

Special teams

Note: FGA = Field Goals Attempted; FGM = Field Goals Made; FG% = Field Goal Percentage; XPA = Extra Points Attempted; XPM = Extra Points Made; XP% = Extra Points Percentage

  • Punting
  • Awards and honors

    Defensive Rookie of the Year

  • Shane Conlan
  • AFC Pro Bowl selections

  • Jim Kelly
  • Bruce Smith
  • Pro Bowl Most Valuable Player

  • Bruce Smith
  • All-Pros

    First Team

  • Bruce Smith, Defensive end
  • Steve Tasker, Special teams
  • Second Team

  • Shane Conlan, Linebacker
  • References

    1987 Buffalo Bills season Wikipedia