Buffalo has not been to the playoffs since 1999 and has lost double-digit in-depthgames the last five seasons. But 2013 may have provided  a bit of a turning point.

The team added head coach Doug Marrone, athletically gifted QB EJ Manuel and stud middle linebacker Kiko Alonso to a roster that already included the likes of C.J. Spiller, Fred Jackson, Steve Johnson, Jairus Byrd, Mario Williams and a handful of other solid players.

Just how much progress was made is hard to assess, given that Manuel and Spiller, among others, missed significant time or effectiveness with injuries. But there is at least some optimism that the core may be more in place than it has been in awhile.

So, how close are the Bills to ending that playoff drought? Matt Warren, senior editor of Buffalo Rumblings, shared his thoughts.

Zoneblitz: In 2013 Buffalo was 6-10 for the third straight year and fourth of the last five. What is your assessment of the season compared with the previous couple?

Warren: It’s really hard to assess the year. 2013 was all about the development of EJ Manuel and with his three knee injuries, we don’t have a very good feel for Manuel. He had flashes of solid play but he was very inconsistent.

Zoneblitz: What were your thoughts on Doug Marrone in his first year as head coach?

Warren: Marrone did a great job as head coach, I think. He hired a great defensive coordinator that completely changed the defense in one season. You could say he left Nathaniel Hackett, his offensive coordinator, out to dry a little as a rookie play caller in the NFL but he has already remedied that this offseason as well as hired a solid successor to Mike Pettine.

Zoneblitz: Likewise, what did you think of EJ Manuel and his future as the team’s QB?

Warren: Manuel has been named the starter in 2014. The Bills won’t add any serious competition. It’s his team in 2014 with no excuses. He hasn’t had an injury history until his time with the Bills. Hopefully he can stay healthy this offseason and benefit from the additions to the coaching staff and (hopefully) the receiving corps.

Zoneblitz: C.J. Spiller didn’t have the season that was expected of him. Was that injuries or is he proving to be more of a committee back?

Warren: It was mainly his high ankle sprain. He tried to play through the injury and the coaching staff tried to protect him. He didn’t come in to block or be a decoy. Most of the time he was in the game, he got the ball so defenses keyed on him. There was also a new blocking scheme, new offensive scheme, and much more he had to deal with. They have to find a way to use him more.

Zoneblitz: Robert Woods and Marquise Goodwin joined Steve Johnson to provide at least some hope for a decent receiving corps. How would you assess that position and what has to happen for the offense to take a step forward?

Warren: To step forward, the Bills need to add a big, athletic red zone receiver or tight end. That’s where most hope the first round will go in the draft. Woods is a solid receiver while Goodwin can take the top off the top. Johnson dealt with injuries and the death of his mother to have a subpar season. He might not be clicking with the team and specifically the young quarterback(s).

Zoneblitz: The Bills did have four defensive players in the Pro Bowl and a fifth in Kiko Alonso who was at least in conversations for Rookie of the Year. What has to happen for the defense to take the next step?

Warren: The Bills need to shore up their run defense and soon. For too many years they have been a doormat. It could be scheme-driven with Jim Schwartz taking over or personnel-driven by drafting a stud linebacker to pair with Alonso. Somehow, someway, the Bills need to improve their run defense.

Zoneblitz: One of those Pro Bowlers, Jairus Byrd, has had some contentious negotiations with the team in recent years. Is he going to be back next season?

Warren: I fully expect Byrd to be franchised and play on a one-year deal with lingering resentment on both sides. Buffalo also might trade him. I don’t think he will sign a long-term deal for $8 million or $9 million a year in Buffalo. General manager Doug Whaley doesn’t consider safety a premium position.

Zoneblitz: How far away do you think this team is from turning a corner and being a playoff contender?

Warren: They are a starting quarterback away from being a playoff contender. If EJ is that guy, it can definitely be this year.

Zoneblitz: In the longer term, what is the status in Buffalo on efforts to keep the team long-term? Any hope for a new stadium or necessary enhancements to Ralph Wilson Stadium?

Warren: The Bills are significantly tied to Buffalo for six more years. After that, a hefty buyout moves to a meager buyout, and any new owner can up and move the team pretty easily. The only thing that will keep the Bills in Buffalo for the long term is a new owner that is committed to it. We won’t know who that will be until the team’s founding owner passes and his family sells the franchise.

Zoneblitz: What would you like to see Buffalo do in the draft and free agency?

Warren: Offensively, they need to add a stud red zone target at tight end or wide receiver. They should be able to upgrade at left guard and right tackle in a very deep draft along the offensive line. On defense, adding a playmaker at linebacker to help Alonso would be a huge step toward solidifying the run game and they will likely add a safety, as well, in anticipation of Byrd’s departure. Free agency should be focused on adding a veteran cornerback who can play meaningful snaps. Only undrafted Nickell Robey played every game at corner last year.

Zoneblitz: Is there anything else you would like to add?

Warren: If you want more Bills talk, we have Google Hangouts and YouTube videos, podcasts, and tons of online content at BuffaloRumblings.com.

Follow Matt Warren on Twitter at: @MattRichWarren
Follow Buffalo Rumblings on Twitter at: @BuffRumblings
Follow Zoneblitz.com on Twitter at: @ZoneblitzCom

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