New Talent Ratchets Up DT Competition

[justasportsfan]

Bills defensive tackle Tim Anderson didn't have a whole lot to worry about two months ago with respect to competition for the starting role he currently holds next to free agent acquisition Larry Tripplett on Buffalo's defensive line.

He and Tripplett were the only two players at the position with lengthy starting experience. But the landscape of talent at defensive tackle changed after the Bills made John McCargo a first round draft pick and later took Kyle Williams in round five.

"It has solidified the competition," said head coach Dick Jauron. "There were so many holes on our roster depth-wise that by making those choices (McCargo and Williams), which we said we would make, we really plugged in other pieces to make it really competitive. Now there's nobody in that group that can just relax and think there's no place else for us to turn."


more..... http://www.buffalobills.com/news/news.jsp?news_id=3785

[ParanoidAndroid]

Re: New Talent Ratchets Up DT Competition

You mean Michael Jordan or Bruce Smith, right Dick?

[YardRat]

Re: New Talent Ratchets Up DT Competition

Bills defensive tackle Tim Anderson didn't have a whole lot to worry about two months ago with respect to competition for the starting role he currently holds

OK...that's just a damn scary statement.

[ICE74129]

Re: New Talent Ratchets Up DT Competition

OK...that's just a damn scary statement.

No sh@!. We have backups fighting for starting spots..Brilliant!!

[John Doe]

Re: New Talent Ratchets Up DT Competition

Tripplett adds that in a scheme which requires such heavy rotation, the importance of who starts the game next to him is almost inconsequential.

"In this scheme that we're playing, it's going to take all eight or nine guys that we're going to end up having to rotate in and play," Tripplett said.

With respect to the scheme Tripplett who has played in a 'cover-two' system since he was a rookie believes it's a defense that can cater to young, inexperienced players.

"This system is perfect for an athlete coming out of college," said Tripplett.

It's remarkable how quickly the personnel on defense was converted to the "cover 2." It looks like the rookie tackles could make an immediate impact.

We could be set at tackle for a long time.