Commentary /By Larry Felser
Defensive outlook brightens for Bills
Updated: 05/04/08 6:46 AM
Who was it that first said “it all starts with defense?” George Allen Sr.? Buddy Ryan? Donald Rumsfeld?
Whomever it was, the Buffalo Bills finally agree with him. If they were hesitant, they received constant reminders on ESPN during college draft weekend: “The Bills are 19-33 against the AFC East, their own division, during this decade”; “Randy Moss scored more touchdowns than the entire Bills’ offense last season”; “The New England Patriots defeated the Bills in 14 of their last 15 meetings.”
Buffalo draft selectors then picked a cornerback and a pass rusher on two of their first three picks.
The Bills’ cheerier outlook on defense runs deeper than just the draft. When considering the potential defensive changes for 2008, you also have to consider the trade, free agent signings, improved health and the normal development of players in their second, third and fourth year on a team that remains extremely young.
“The trade” refers to the addition of giant defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, counted upon to jam opposing running games, which have been driving highways unencumbered by red lights. Stroud’s presence also means more multiple blocking from opposing offenses, which is likely to make life easier for the Buffalo linebackers.
Free agent signings of linebacker Kawika Mitchell and defensive lineman Spencer Johnson, along with the drafting of Chris Ellis, was a tip of the hat to the New York Giants and the way they harassed Tom Brady in their Super Bowl upset victory over the Patriots. The idea is to assure there are no more days at the beach when Brady plays the Bills.
The good health factor has to do with, among others, the return of Paul Posluszny, the tackling machine at middle linebacker who was lost for the rest of his rookie season in his third pro game.
Defenders in their third and fourth seasons who might be expected to have breakout seasons and have been full-or part-time starters include safety Donte Whitner, tackle John McCargo, linebacker Keith Ellison, tackle Kyle Williams and Ko Simpson, whose second season as a starting safety was ended early by injury. Ashton Youboty, whose second pro season was sadly interrupted by the death of his mother, could end up making a belated bid in the cornerback derby.
And what about those two surprising college free agents, middle linebacker John DiGiorgio and safety George Wilson, the ex-wide receiver? DiGiorgio may lose his starting job to Posluszny and Wilson has plenty of competition, but whatever the outcome it adds up to improved versatility and depth for the defensive unit.
By October there could be five or six changes from the 2007 starting defensive lineup, maybe two or three areas where the starting lineup depends upon what defensive plan will be used against a specific opponent. Buffalo may have the depth and experienced talent to do that even earlier than Columbus Day.
At worst the Bills’ outlook seems improved enough to keep the Patriots from checking off two games against Buffalo as automatic victories.
Larry Felser, former News columnist, appears in Sunday’s editions.
