YoloinOhio Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 Bills head coach Sean McDermott had some very good defenses in Carolina during his seven-year run as defensive coordinator. But they were defensive units that sort of went against the grain. McDermott relied on his athletic linebackers to be the playmakers in his scheme. At various times throughout his tenure, McDermott had a dominant middle linebacker in Luke Kuechly, as well as former safeties Thomas Davis and Shaq Thompson playing his interchangeable Sam and Will positions. His linebackers consistently used their athleticism to patrol the underneath zones, whereas Josh Norman, James Bradberry, Kurt Coleman, and Tre Boston were protecting the deep zones to minimize big plays. McDermott spoke recently about fifth-round draft pick linebacker Vosean Joseph’s fit and how it goes along with the trends across the league, and he stated the linebacker position and safety positions are spots “where what we like may not be what other people like.” I think that’s where he may have been ahead of the curve in Carolina, but now he’s building that sort of linebacker corps in Buffalo. 10 1 6
BruceVilanch Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 I think he will provide solid depth this year and can take a run at replacing the ageless wonder Zo whenever he decides to hang them up. 3
Bray Wyatt Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 I like the Joseph pick, if they can reign in his ability he can be a real playmaker for them. Having guys that have just made the transition (from college to the pros) in Milano and Edmunds in the room should help in that regard
thebandit27 Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 I think Joseph can play snaps in sub-packages as a rookie. I don't, however, expect him to be another Milano--Milano was a former CB with excellent instincts. Joseph is an athletic 'backer who lacks great instincts. I do think he could be a valuable sub-package guy though.
TigerJ Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 The advantage of employing a defense that values traits differently than the rest of the league is that you can get the best players for your system at draft positions that represent great value. 6
thebandit27 Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 Just now, TigerJ said: The advantage of employing a defense that values traits differently than the rest of the league is that you can get the best players for your system at draft positions that represent great value. I don't know that it's got much to do with that...I just think that the more pass-happy the league has gotten, the more opportunities there are for smaller, faster LBs that don't have the size/strength to play against the run to contribute significantly. 2
badassgixxer05 Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 (edited) Wow, thanks for the post! Really good read/breakdown. Has me excited for this kid. Hope he develops and can slot him in for the future when Lorax hangs them up(maybe sooner if he takes off??). I loved that clip of Milano on Gronk too. The pop at the line of scrimmage then the closing speed on the out route. This is going to be a nasty D again this year. Can't wait for camp!!! Edited May 17, 2019 by badassgixxer05
Logic Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 When I think of all the speed on this defense -- Oliver at DT, Edmunds, Milano, and Joseph at LB -- it boggles the mind. Add in the fact that they've completely rebuild the secondary from scratch into one of the best in the NFL, and I can see the Bills defense being good for years. They just need one more finishing touch: Some new faces at EDGE, which I expect to come next offseason. 6
CSBill Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 He's an intriguing pick. If he turns out to be as good as Milano, the Bills ware set for many years at the position. 1
John from Riverside Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 I dont see him as Milano....I see him as more like Nigel Bradford....who hit like a truck and made plays but also at times missed plays Nigel has done pretty well for himself in the league. 4
Florida Bills Fanatic Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 4 hours ago, TigerJ said: The advantage of employing a defense that values traits differently than the rest of the league is that you can get the best players for your system at draft positions that represent great value. Good observation! It is a good advantage as long as the scheme is effective. Based on McD's history in Carolina and the first two years in Buffalo, I think the scheme is effective. 3
BuffaloBill Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 1 hour ago, Florida Bills Fanatic said: Good observation! It is a good advantage as long as the scheme is effective. Based on McD's history in Carolina and the first two years in Buffalo, I think the scheme is effective. True, but it will need to continue to evolve. The NFL is a cat and mouse game and in the AFCE in particular the Cheats* are one very big and effective cat. Brady has cut up McDermott’s defenses pretty well. At the same time it is impressive what his D has been able to do with essentially no help from the offense and special teams that at least last year were a disaster. It’s hard to think about what this D might be if they consistently played with a solid lead and a bit of a ball control offense. 2
billsfan89 Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 Much like basketball the NFL is entering into its own small ball era. Defensive linemen are becoming better and better athletes. Linebackers are becoming more like hybrid safeties and safeties and corners are equally as athletic. I think in 5 years you will be seeing Aaron Donald and Ed Oliver be the prototype for DT’s. Sub 300 pound uber quick and uber athletic players. While LB’s will look more and more like strong safeties sub 240 quick and able to cover. The Bills defense is being adapted to that style and it is good to see the Bills being a modern team in that sense. I really enjoy seeing them building to where the league is going as opposed to chasing trends 5 years too late. 6
MJS Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 I don't think we'll ever have to truly worry about the defense, especially the secondary, with McDermott and company around. Sure, they may have bad halves or even bad games, from time to time, but he'll always get things figured out and produce a good product on defense. Let's hope we have the right coaches for the offense and can build a sustainable, successful product.
BubbaT Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 I don't know if it is just me but in looking at this tape I was struck by how much bigger physically Milano was last year than the year before. It is fun to watch him isolated like that and see the range, speed and aggressiveness he brings. I like what I've seen of Joseph too. The athleticism just jumps off the screen. 1
OldTimeAFLGuy Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 7 hours ago, Logic said: When I think of all the speed on this defense -- Oliver at DT, Edmunds, Milano, and Joseph at LB -- it boggles the mind. Add in the fact that they've completely rebuild the secondary from scratch into one of the best in the NFL, and I can see the Bills defense being good for years. They just need one more finishing touch: Some new faces at EDGE, which I expect to come next offseason. ...McBeane and his gang have done one helluva job so far (yes on paper) assembling some formidable talent IMO.....
3rdand12 Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 3 hours ago, John from Riverside said: I dont see him as Milano....I see him as more like Nigel Bradford....who hit like a truck and made plays but also at times missed plays Nigel has done pretty well for himself in the league. Instincts , lack of , has been mentioned ^ I hope his weaknesses and strengths can be coached up by Bills. Could be a great fit in a couple years. project that may have an early impact. nice pick
todd Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 10 hours ago, thebandit27 said: I think Joseph can play snaps in sub-packages as a rookie. I don't, however, expect him to be another Milano--Milano was a former CB with excellent instincts. Joseph is an athletic 'backer who lacks great instincts. I do think he could be a valuable sub-package guy though. I don't know. I watched the all the film on that page and more, and I think he has really great instincts. Instincts in the NFL are learned.
Sherlock Holmes Posted May 17, 2019 Posted May 17, 2019 (edited) Trade for Kuechly then Edited May 17, 2019 by Sherlock Holmes
Buffalophil1948 Posted May 18, 2019 Posted May 18, 2019 5 hours ago, billsfan89 said: Much like basketball the NFL is entering into its own small ball era. Have you looked at our O-line lately. These boys are big and nasty. And yes love how the D is being built.
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