It’s up to ‘D’ to make statement by getting job done without Crowell
You’re a Bills fan; you’ve suffered plenty through the years. But you figured things were bound to even out this time. After that cruel, relentless run of misfortune a year ago, the team was due for some good luck. This year, the law of averages would come knocking at One Bills Drive. The fates would smile on the players and grant them some good health.
Then three days before the opener, it happened again. Angelo Crowell, the quiet force at outside linebacker, the leading tackler from a year ago, decided he needed to go under the knife for a knee injury and is through for the season.
It had to feel like a hard, sudden blow to the midsection. All this talk of playoffs, and just like that, one of the defensive cornerstones is gone. Crowell might have been the best player on the defense a year ago. With Jason Peters on hand but inactive, you could argue that the Bills’ top player on each side of the ball will be out today.
I’m sure there are fans out there asking, “Why us? Why do we get the worst holdout in the league? How come it’s our leading tackler who decides at the last minute to shut it down?”
Well, the only thing to do now is to move on without Crowell. The defense was supposed to be the strength of the team this season, a potential top 10 unit, a “D” that could carry a team to the playoffs. They said they were ready for the challenge. So they have to confront a crisis that faces every NFL team: the loss of a starter, only right from the get-go.
This defense needs to make a statement, and today would be a good time to start. It’s supposed to be good enough to withstand the loss of one player. It is expected to be the difference, capable of making big plays, creating turnovers and taking the heat off a suspect offense. They have more experience and greater depth. But are they really that good?
“I think it can be very effective,” said defensive tackle Marcus Stroud. “We definitely look good on paper. But we have to go out and do it on Sunday. That’s when it counts.”
Crowell’s injury will ramp up the pressure on everyone. It starts with the new guys: Will Stroud regain his Pro Bowl form and plug the middle against the run? Can Kawika Mitchell be a three-down force at outside ’backer? Will Spencer Johnson provide legitimate depth to the defensive line, or just another body?
John McCargo has yet to justify the gamble to move up into the late first round to get him. Paul Posluszny has an awfully high profile for a guy with three NFL starts. There’s big pressure on him to call the signals and make the big stops, and it’ll be even tougher now without Crowell lining up alongside him.
It seems everyone on this defense has something to prove. The supposed stars have to be difference-makers. Donte Whitner is talking a big game. A few more big plays would be nice. Terrence McGee has to play like a No. 1 cornerback. Chris Kelsay and Aaron Schobel are being paid to dominate at the defensive ends.
Schobel got a seven-year, $50 million contract after posting big sack totals, then had the gall to say he wished they didn’t keep sack stats. He feels people dwell too much on sacks. Fine, but it’s time to justify the money and be a true force on the field.
People talk as if this is a good defense reaching for greatness. The truth is, they’re a bad defense striving to become good. They were 31st in the NFL last year. They gave up more than 170 yards rushing in five games, including the first three. Nine opposing running backs went over 100 yards against them.
They were a rubber-band type unit that did a good job of preventing touchdowns in the red zone. But they weren’t so good at getting off the field, which hurt the offense. Hopes are high, but you’d think Bills fans would be wary at this point.
This isn’t the first Bills defense in recent years to be hyped before a season. But they’ve rarely lived up to it. Over the eight-year playoff drought, there’s been one constant: When it really matters, they don’t stop people. When a team shows up with a solid quarterback and a complete attack, the Bills’ defense gets thrown around the field.
They’re better, but dominant? They’re a long way from that. Stop Tom Brady for once. Win a big road game against a contender. For a more immediate and modest test, shut down a potent but injury-riddled Seattle offense today at home.
“Now we actually get to go out and play,” Posluszny said. “This is what we’ve all been waiting for. We need to go out and play well. It’s one thing to talk about it. Words don’t mean much now.”
