Defense’s play is nothing out of the ordinary
COMMENTARY
Let’s start with a hearty welcome back for Takeo Spikes and Nate Clements, two of the top NFL veterans never to appear in a playoff game. Who could forget those days? So much promise, so much talk of play-making and elite defenses, and so little for Bills fans to show for it.
Nate, I made fun of the “Playmaker” sign above your locker. But you got the last laugh, didn’t you? You might not be a true lockdown corner, but you sure did a good job locking down the $80 million. Oh, and if the 49ers are winning in the final seconds and Trent Edwards throws up a prayer on fourth down? Just knock it down.
Takeo, maybe once or twice you could flash the lateral quickness you had during the good times. Heaven knows, we’re not seeing much of that from this year’s linebacking crew.
And after the game, remember there’s a bus to catch. Try to wrap up your postgame remarks before Obama’s inauguration address.
It’s so inspiring to have these guys back in Buffalo, I’m reviving one of my favorite game-day exercises: calling out the defense.
Coming into this season, there was a lot of talk about the Bills having an elite defense this year. With the additions of Marcus Stroud, Kawika Mitchell and Spencer Johnson, plus the return of Paul Posluszny, they figured to be deeper and more dynamic. They would dictate, rather than react, creating turnovers and carrying a suspect offense during its inevitable moments of dysfunction.
I was a tad skeptical. All the bravado brought back memories of previous Bills defenses (2003, ’05) that had such lofty ambitions but never shut down opponents when it really mattered.
Sure enough, the “D” has been less than advertised. Edwards’ troubles tended to obscure it, but the defense has been positively mediocre of late. Over the last five weeks, the Bills have allowed 26.2 points a game. Some of the fourth-quarter performances have been sadly reminiscent of the worst of the Clements-Spikes era.
The Jets sealed a win with a drive of more than eight minutes. The Pats held the ball for 19 plays in a fourth-quarter drive that was almost as long as the Turkey Trot. The Browns popped a 72-yard touchdown run on the first play of the fourth, then marched into position for a late, winning field goal.
Even the Chiefs had their way, rolling up 462 yards and six plays of 27 yards or more in last Sunday’s 54-31 loss.
Last year, the Bills allowed 22.1 points a game. It’s 22.6 this year. A year ago, opponents rushed for 4.4 yards a carry. This year, it’s 4.3. They’re 25th in sacks and 26th in interceptions. Overall, they’re 16th in total yards allowed. It’s giving them the benefit of the doubt to call them average.
“I am disappointed with where we are at this point,” said defensive coordinator Perry Fewell. “I didn’t think we were an elite defense. I thought we were good enough to be in the top 15 or top 10.”
Top 15? Sounds like Fewell is rearranging expectations after the fact. Donte Whitner and his pals had higher aspirations. So Fewell ought to be disappointed. These aren’t Pro Bowlers beating them. BenJarvus Green-Ellis. Ted Ginn. Jerome Harrison. A lot of modest talents had their best games against them.
So it’s time to make a stand. The Bills probably have to win the rest of their games to make the playoffs. The defense needs to play at a consistently high level the rest of the way, starting this afternoon against a San Francisco offense that has averaged 27 points the last three games.
Frank Gore is an elite running back who can hurt you on the ground (860 yards, 4.5 average) or as a receiver (36 catches, 9.2 average). Time for the linebackers to make a statement. It would help if Posluszny had as many big plays as endorsements. Mitchell has his shining moments, then he seems to disappear. You can see why he’s on his third team in three years.
Keith Ellison is a backup. Even coach Dick Jauron, who would hesitate to tell you the sky is blue, admits that. Chris Kelsay is making a lot of money ($6 million per) for a defensive end who never gets to the quarterback. Marcus Stroud has been pretty quiet lately.
Injuries are no excuse. Every team gets them, though I’m beginning to wonder why the Bills are especially vulnerable. They miss Aaron Schobel, but he was a regular on some of the worst defenses in team history. Whitner is a leader and a versatile member of the secondary, but when was his last game-changing play?
If I’ve left anyone out, well, you get the drift. It’s hard for a defense to be elite without any real stars. They should get past the 49ers today, but it doesn’t figure to be easy. Spikes and Clements will have them motivated.
It pains me to say it, Nate, but the Niners might have more playmakers.
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