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 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.
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