Let’s face it–since their brief Super Bowl playoff streak (yes, they lost every time) in the nineties , the Buffalo Bills have played abysmally: brief moments of success followed by week after week of annihilation on the field. 

The 2011 season offered a glimmer of hope.  Throughout September and October, Buffalo triumphed—a playoff bid seemed possible, fans ecstatic.  Yet this turn of fortune did not last.  The tide turned for the worse in November.  Losses quickly began to outnumber the wins, and the cheers of jubilant fans were quieted.

With the 2011 season over, Buffalo looks ahead to 2012 and, perhaps, a pain-free team.  Buffalo defensive lineman, Torell Troup, announced in December that he will undergo spine surgery in order to repair a “minor fracture”  and rectify a previous disc problem.   Throughout the season Troup suited up and blocked passes while experiencing a significant amount of pain that increased as the season progressed.

Troup’s surgery was  performed in time to have him ready to attend preseason camps.  Prior to surgery, Troupposted on his Twitter account, “I’m ready to get this over so I can be the player I was in the preseason. Will feel good to not be in pain everyday.”    Bills coach Chan Gail is confident that Troup will be ready to suit up for training next spring. 

“Yeah, this is one time I did talk to the doctors, I just happened to be in there when the doctor was there and he explained to me the [spine] surgery and thinks that he’ll be full go by May,” said Gailey.

Could a healthy Troup help the Buffalo Bills achieve the impossible—a chance at the Championship Ring?  It could be that spine surgery will give Buffalo something  to cheer about in the cold winter months of 2012.

With the 2011 season over, Buffalo looks ahead to 2012 and, perhaps, a pain-free team.  http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/story/16431803/bills-troup-to-have-back-surgery-friday