Anyone else really confident about this D?

[billsfan89]

OK a lot of concerns surround the offensive side of the ball our QB situation is one of the worst in the NFL, our O-line is one with huge concern, our WR's outside of Evans are unproven HOWEVER I have a very good feeling about our Defense.

 

Our Secondary is really good (And they proved that last season) and we spent a lot of picks and resources to sure up the run D. OK our 3-4 is new but we have added a lot of players that fit our scheme.

 

D-line DE- Dwan Edwards/Spencer Johnson OK Johnson was an undersized 4-3 DT but he was one of the better DT's last season in his limited role and the guy has the body type and skill set to be an effective guy off the bench. Edwards was a run-stuffer in Baltimore with an injury issue but if the guy can stay healthy he is a prototypical 3-4 DE who upgrades our Run D.

 

Other DE- Stroud/Carrington Stroud is coming off a down year, he was suppose to be the anchor of the 4-3 and he just wasn't that so our Run D sucked as a result (Injuries to OLB and Poz also contributed). However Stroud at DE in a 3-4 doesn't really have to be the anchor he is in a less compromised position and can be effective in his new role. Carrington coming off the bench gives our D-line some depth at DE.

 

NT- Troup and Kyle Williams are the anchors now if Williams can play at a higher weight and if Troup is as good as advertised we are looking decent at NT. Yes this is a concern if Troup under preforms and Williams can't convert to the 3-4 but going into this season I am much more confident in our D-line and its depth then last season.

 

MLB- Poz and Davis are the starters Davis is a proven 3-4 MLB who is known as a run stuffer, Poz has the size to make the conversion but there is still a question of his conversion ability. Mitchell has the size to play the 3-4 MLB and gives us some depth at the position.

 

OLB- This is were things get a little iffy right now Schobel and Maybin are the starters now both aren't 3-4 OLB's but Schobel is a proven pass rusher in a 4-3 and Maybin has the body type better suited for the system. Kelsay and Ellis don't inspire much confidence but both could prove effective as depth or as run down players.

 

So our front 7 is deeper and bigger and we already have a good secondary with McKelvin returning to it. All in all our D should inspire some confidence.

[tombstone56]

I AM LOVIN WHAT IM SEEING .HUGE DEFENSE .

[peteski]

It will take a few games for some of the players to get used to it but by the middle of the season it should be in the top half of the league.

[DarthICE]

It will take time, but YES I am feeling much better about this D.

[RealityCheck]

You do mean Heavy-D right?

[MrNix]

Really like what they did with the draft. I really like the Carrington pick. Should contribute some this year, but be an anchor for years to come. I also think the STs will be huge this year, both returns and coverage. Combine with an adequate offense, and this team will surprise people.

[MRW]

I wouldn't say I feel "confident" as there are a lot of guys being asked to take on new roles, and I'm not sure how well they will adapt. Just because Maybin appears better suited from a size perspective for an OLB spot doesn't mean he'll be any good. How will Stroud do as a 3-4 DE? Etc. etc.

 

But I do think that this defense, once it clicks, will be much less aggravating than the D we've seen the last few years. They've added players who have a lot of potential, and I think they clearly identified and filled the areas of biggest need. Once the games start we'll get a much clearer idea of who still needs to be replaced. It should be interesting.

[FluffHead]

Run D is looking nice, assuming Troup and K Williams do atleast an average job, which I think they will. There are a few questions in the pass game....can Maybin and whoever starts opposite him generate any pressure? Can they drop into coverage? Same with the middle LB's...Davis is a run stuffer but a liability in coverage...same with Mitchell....Our DB's are outstanding, but our LB's are unproven in pass coverage

[uforesircher]

OK a lot of concerns surround the offensive side of the ball our QB situation is one of the worst in the NFL, our O-line is one with huge concern, our WR's outside of Evans are unproven HOWEVER I have a very good feeling about our Defense.

 

Our Secondary is really good (And they proved that last season) and we spent a lot of picks and resources to sure up the run D. OK our 3-4 is new but we have added a lot of players that fit our scheme.

 

D-line DE- Dwan Edwards/Spencer Johnson OK Johnson was an undersized 4-3 DT but he was one of the better DT's last season in his limited role and the guy has the body type and skill set to be an effective guy off the bench. Edwards was a run-stuffer in Baltimore with an injury issue but if the guy can stay healthy he is a prototypical 3-4 DE who upgrades our Run D.

 

Other DE- Stroud/Carrington Stroud is coming off a down year, he was suppose to be the anchor of the 4-3 and he just wasn't that so our Run D sucked as a result (Injuries to OLB and Poz also contributed). However Stroud at DE in a 3-4 doesn't really have to be the anchor he is in a less compromised position and can be effective in his new role. Carrington coming off the bench gives our D-line some depth at DE.

 

NT- Troup and Kyle Williams are the anchors now if Williams can play at a higher weight and if Troup is as good as advertised we are looking decent at NT. Yes this is a concern if Troup under preforms and Williams can't convert to the 3-4 but going into this season I am much more confident in our D-line and its depth then last season.

 

MLB- Poz and Davis are the starters Davis is a proven 3-4 MLB who is known as a run stuffer, Poz has the size to make the conversion but there is still a question of his conversion ability. Mitchell has the size to play the 3-4 MLB and gives us some depth at the position.

 

OLB- This is were things get a little iffy right now Schobel and Maybin are the starters now both aren't 3-4 OLB's but Schobel is a proven pass rusher in a 4-3 and Maybin has the body type better suited for the system. Kelsay and Ellis don't inspire much confidence but both could prove effective as depth or as run down players.

 

So our front 7 is deeper and bigger and we already have a good secondary with McKelvin returning to it. All in all our D should inspire some confidence.

 

i am also excited about the improvements that were the most important improvements that had to be made - getting much better than 30th in the nfl against the run - any team that is 30th against the run will lose more than they win and it doesnt matter who is the qb or lt is - we fixed the biggest area of concerm we had - now onto the rest of the plan - in gm nix and coach gailey we trust - go bills!

[Alphadawg7]

OK a lot of concerns surround the offensive side of the ball our QB situation is one of the worst in the NFL, our O-line is one with huge concern, our WR's outside of Evans are unproven HOWEVER I have a very good feeling about our Defense.

 

Our Secondary is really good (And they proved that last season) and we spent a lot of picks and resources to sure up the run D. OK our 3-4 is new but we have added a lot of players that fit our scheme.

 

D-line DE- Dwan Edwards/Spencer Johnson OK Johnson was an undersized 4-3 DT but he was one of the better DT's last season in his limited role and the guy has the body type and skill set to be an effective guy off the bench. Edwards was a run-stuffer in Baltimore with an injury issue but if the guy can stay healthy he is a prototypical 3-4 DE who upgrades our Run D.

 

Other DE- Stroud/Carrington Stroud is coming off a down year, he was suppose to be the anchor of the 4-3 and he just wasn't that so our Run D sucked as a result (Injuries to OLB and Poz also contributed). However Stroud at DE in a 3-4 doesn't really have to be the anchor he is in a less compromised position and can be effective in his new role. Carrington coming off the bench gives our D-line some depth at DE.

 

NT- Troup and Kyle Williams are the anchors now if Williams can play at a higher weight and if Troup is as good as advertised we are looking decent at NT. Yes this is a concern if Troup under preforms and Williams can't convert to the 3-4 but going into this season I am much more confident in our D-line and its depth then last season.

 

MLB- Poz and Davis are the starters Davis is a proven 3-4 MLB who is known as a run stuffer, Poz has the size to make the conversion but there is still a question of his conversion ability. Mitchell has the size to play the 3-4 MLB and gives us some depth at the position.

 

OLB- This is were things get a little iffy right now Schobel and Maybin are the starters now both aren't 3-4 OLB's but Schobel is a proven pass rusher in a 4-3 and Maybin has the body type better suited for the system. Kelsay and Ellis don't inspire much confidence but both could prove effective as depth or as run down players.

 

So our front 7 is deeper and bigger and we already have a good secondary with McKelvin returning to it. All in all our D should inspire some confidence.

 

Count me on this band wagon...I have been posting this in other threads too. I think this D has top 10 potential. There are a few doom and gloomers out there like John Cockstonter or whatever the hell his name is that swears no one can rush the passer. Yet people like him are completing ignoring the fact that Maybin is being moved to a position in this D that will let him do just that, Schobel (I think he comes back) can still get to the QB, guys we drafted look like they can get to the QB, Stroud will be more effective as a DE in this system, and most importantly, our Front 7 can be turned loose in this system given the strength of our secondary. Add in how big we got up front, and wow, this D could be really good.

 

Of course this is dependent on our young guys being able to step in and contribute like Troup, Maybin, Carrington, etc....

[Thurman#1]

OK a lot of concerns surround the offensive side of the ball our QB situation is one of the worst in the NFL, our O-line is one with huge concern, our WR's outside of Evans are unproven HOWEVER I have a very good feeling about our Defense.

 

Our Secondary is really good (And they proved that last season) and we spent a lot of picks and resources to sure up the run D. OK our 3-4 is new but we have added a lot of players that fit our scheme.

 

D-line DE- Dwan Edwards/Spencer Johnson OK Johnson was an undersized 4-3 DT but he was one of the better DT's last season in his limited role and the guy has the body type and skill set to be an effective guy off the bench. Edwards was a run-stuffer in Baltimore with an injury issue but if the guy can stay healthy he is a prototypical 3-4 DE who upgrades our Run D.

 

Other DE- Stroud/Carrington Stroud is coming off a down year, he was suppose to be the anchor of the 4-3 and he just wasn't that so our Run D sucked as a result (Injuries to OLB and Poz also contributed). However Stroud at DE in a 3-4 doesn't really have to be the anchor he is in a less compromised position and can be effective in his new role. Carrington coming off the bench gives our D-line some depth at DE.

 

NT- Troup and Kyle Williams are the anchors now if Williams can play at a higher weight and if Troup is as good as advertised we are looking decent at NT. Yes this is a concern if Troup under preforms and Williams can't convert to the 3-4 but going into this season I am much more confident in our D-line and its depth then last season.

 

MLB- Poz and Davis are the starters Davis is a proven 3-4 MLB who is known as a run stuffer, Poz has the size to make the conversion but there is still a question of his conversion ability. Mitchell has the size to play the 3-4 MLB and gives us some depth at the position.

 

OLB- This is were things get a little iffy right now Schobel and Maybin are the starters now both aren't 3-4 OLB's but Schobel is a proven pass rusher in a 4-3 and Maybin has the body type better suited for the system. Kelsay and Ellis don't inspire much confidence but both could prove effective as depth or as run down players.

 

So our front 7 is deeper and bigger and we already have a good secondary with McKelvin returning to it. All in all our D should inspire some confidence.

 

 

 

Let's look at it another way, in terms of experience, and in terms of who is replacing who.

 

DE: From Kelsay to Dwan Edwards?. This has to be a positive. Edwards has 3 - 4 experience at the position and is an upgrade from Kelsay. Kelsay, though, was strong against the run, he just couldn't rush the passer particularly well. However, he most likely got more sacks than Edwards will. In five years, Edwards has 2.0 total sacks, one of which was last year. Kelsay has 22.0 in seven years, five of which came last year. Clearly we lose out completely in sacks, but should get a bit better at defending the run. A positive, but not a huge one due to losing the sacks.

 

Other DE: Schobel to Marcus Stroud/Carrington. This is a major step back in both ways. Stroud has no experience in the 3 - 4. Carrington, though strong, is a rookie. Therefore there's no way to be sure he can actually play the position. I'm guessing that perhaps he can, but lit's only a guess. And clearly he's NOT going to bring anything even vaguely close to the sacks that Schobel brought. Completel inexperience and relative inability to get sacks. This is a major negative, not surprising as Schobel was our best defensive player last year in the front seven.

 

NT: Stroud or Kyle Williams (I'm saying it was Kyle Williams as a 1 - tackle is a bit more similar to NT) to Troup on running downs and Kyle Williams on passing downs. A clear negative. Troup has no pro experience whatsoever. And it usually takes defensive linemen and defensive tackles a year or two at least to get NFL strong and to get used to the position and the pounding and the much longer season. The passing game comparison is obviously a tie ... both will be Kyle Williams against the pass. Williams has eight sacks in 4 years, 4 of which he got last sesason. On the upside, he should be fresher playing less. On the up side, he will be playing a position he is less physically suited for. I call this a wash. Against the run, though, Last year's Kyle Williams was simply much better than the rookie Troup is likely to be. Looking down the road a couple of years and if Nix made a good pick, Troup should be much better. Not as a rookie. Not even close.

 

ROLB: Chris Draft to who? Schobel looks more and more like he's retiring. But if he isn't, he will be playing a position he has zero experience at. We can all hope that Maybin or Moats or Batten or Coleman or somebody plays well. That's all it will be is hope. These guys are either rookies or guys with no experience at the position whatsoever. This is a clear move downwards. Not that Draft was great, but he wasn't a weakness last year at all, and this year the only thing we have to replace him is pure hope.

 

RILB: Marcus Stroud to Posluszny. We lose one position (RDT) in the line and gain one in the linebackers. Therefore Poz replaces Stroud. I call this a wash. Both are strong players. It could even be a slight upgrade because Stroud, playing injured last year, wasn't his usual terrific self. We lose about 60 pounds of beef on this trade, but I think this is a wash.

 

LILB: Kawika Mitchell to Kawika Mitchell/Andra Davis. I'm going to call this one a very slight upgrade, though it's really probably a wash. Davis is a journeyman and Kawika is Kawika, a solid vet playing a new position in a new scheme. But Davis at least has 3 - 4 experience, and that should be a help.

 

LOLB: Bryan Scott/ Keith Ellison to who? Bryan Scott? Chris Ellis? Keith Ellison? Nic Harris? Ashlee Palmer? This is a negative. Ellison wasn't very physical, but he was smart and got to the places he was supposed to be. He was also decent at coverage. Scott was much better than any of us had a right to expect. He was better than Ellison, IMHO. The new guys are either guys who have never been NFL-quality starters or they're rookies or wannabes. How would Ellis handle covering running backs? Most of last year's guys are simply too small to successfully play 3-4 OLB.

 

 

Two positives, four negatives and one wash. This year's defense simply isn't going to be as good. Looking down the road, you definitely can see signs of light, but this year ... forget about it.

 

Let's look at one more thing, the most important positions in each defense.

 

In the 4 - 3 variant we mostly played last year, the Tampa Two, the most important positions are RDE (Schobel last year) because he is the primary pass rusher, and MLB (Poz), because he must be fast enough to sprint backwards and cover the deep middle on pass plays and must also be a hammer on the run. We had those positions covered quite well. Schobel consistently got pressure and Poz also handled his responsibilities. Schobel was no Freeney and Poz was no Urlacher, but both were very solid and productive.

 

In the 3 - 4, the two most important positions are NT because he is the primary weapon against the run, eating up blockers and plugging the middle, and ROLB, because he is the primary pass rusher and must be freakily athletic. Playing these two most important positions, we are going to have Torrell Troup, a rookie at NT. That does not look good, it just doesn't. And at ROLB, we have nobody. We will be letting a bunch of wannnabes and neverbeens fight it out and hope one of them turns into DeMarcus Ware. Not likely.

 

This is where the argument that we'll have a good front seven this year really falls down. How? With a rookie at one of the most important positions and without knowing who will be at the other one?

 

A few years down the road, maybe. But this year? Get real.

[dollarcoin]

Defense might not be amazing, but they are relatively better than the offense. Bad receivers, bad line, bad QB, good running backs.

 

Hopefully the 3-4 generates some pass rush. The Bills are generally in the bottom third of the league in sacks.

[ganesh]

It will take a few games for some of the players to get used to it but by the middle of the season it should be in the top half of the league.

 

 

We do have four pre-season games...that is a quarter of a season

[ganesh]

.Our DB's are outstanding, but our LB's are unproven in pass coverage

 

When you are 31st against the RUN, your DBs will look Outstanding, because the other teams does not have to throw the ball.

[ganesh]

Defense might not be amazing, but they are relatively better than the offense. Bad receivers, bad line, bad QB, good running backs.

 

Hopefully the 3-4 generates some pass rush. The Bills are generally in the bottom third of the league in sacks.

 

I don't believe that is true in the last two seasons..

 

The biggest problem has been their inability to stop the run.....that has just killed them.

[Packerland Bills Fan]

The defense should be quite a bit better than last year's by the end of season.

 

I hope fans are patient, though, because it is going to take some time.

[stinky finger]

It will take a few games for some of the players to get used to it but by the middle of the season it should be in the top half of the league.

Yep. 3 or 4, tops . Then it's off to Honolulu to play the pre-SB classic.

[KOKBILLS]

It's hard not to be just a little excited about this new D in Buffalo...I think this is exactly what the "experts" are missing concerning the 2010 Draft, and how The Bills will stack up this coming Season...

 

The Bills decided to get the best Offensive weapon they could, then continue to beef up the 3-4 Front 7 in order to improve that (30th in the League) Run Defense...The FO made stopping the Run their #1 priority this Off Season and it's looking like they have done a decent job so far...So, at least in 2010, the idea is going to be Run the Ball and stop the Run...And that's not such a bad idea for year #1 in the re-building of this Franchise...

 

If The Bills can stop the Run consistently, and get off the Field on 3rd Down enough, they are going to give a lot of Teams fits...Even good Teams and especially at Home...Sure they look a bit overmatched vs. certain Teams, but I like what I see so far...I think this Team will win between 6-9 Games depending on how the QB's play...They will be improved on Defense in 2010, and I think greatly improved overall by 2011...

 

I want to be more critical, but I like what I've seen so far...

[BillsGuyInMalta]

When you are 31st against the RUN, your DBs will look Outstanding, because the other teams does not have to throw the ball.

Untrue. The Bills were Top 5 in INTs, passes defended and average pass yardage per play. So while yes, teams could run all over the Bills last year, when they did try to throw they didnt have much success.

[San Jose Bills Fan]

Untrue. The Bills were Top 5 in INTs, passes defended and average pass yardage per play. So while yes, teams could run all over the Bills last year, when they did try to throw they didnt have much success.

The Bills were also one of the best defenses in opponents completion percentage and opponents passer rating.

 

It's amazing how many times people INCORRECTLY ASSERT that the Bills pass defense was good only because the run defense was bad.

 

The Bills pass defense was excellent, especially considering the mediocre pass rush.