Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

[The_Philster]

As the Buffalo Bills await free agency and the NFL draft, the greatest area of on-field concern the organization is faced with is probably the middle of its defense. The group that played every Sunday of this past season certainly will have a different look to it next year, for better or worse.
Buffalo's defense finished the 2006 campaign ranked a horrendous 28th against the rush, which naturally dragged the unit's entire performance down. One could even argue that aspect of the Bills' defense was the paramount reason for the team missing the playoffs..more

[LtFinFan66]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

you act like you are the news guy or something Phil

[The_Philster]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

you act like you are the news guy or something Phil

I figure if I'm the only one putting this stuff up on the front page, I should get a chance to earn ZBs for posting it in the forums as well

[LtFinFan66]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

That makes sense

[clumping platelets]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

[LtFinFan66]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

[TigerJ]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

The most interesting thing I saw in the article was the assertion that London Fletcher has been a major liability in the defense of the running game, and the failure to offer London a contract extension may be deliberate on the part of the Bills who want to replace him with someone who is better in run support.

I saw a post or something yesterday suggesting KC MLB Kawika Mitchell would be a good target for the Bills in free agency should they not re-sign Fletcher.

[Mahdi]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

The most interesting thing I saw in the article was the assertion that London Fletcher has been a major liability in the defense of the running game, and the failure to offer London a contract extension may be deliberate on the part of the Bills who want to replace him with someone who is better in run support.

I saw a post or something yesterday suggesting KC MLB Kawika Mitchell would be a good target for the Bills in free agency should they not re-sign Fletcher.

Kawika Mitchell??? He's never been too impressive in his time in the league and I dont think he's athletic enough.

[jamze132]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

I would love to get Lance Briggs or Cato June.

[X-Era]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

The most interesting thing I saw in the article was the assertion that London Fletcher has been a major liability in the defense of the running game, and the failure to offer London a contract extension may be deliberate on the part of the Bills who want to replace him with someone who is better in run support.

I saw a post or something yesterday suggesting KC MLB Kawika Mitchell would be a good target for the Bills in free agency should they not re-sign Fletcher.

I got blasted for making that comment before the season started. When we let big fat Sam go, and went smaller and faster, we relied to heavily on Fletcher. He just isnt big enough to be the sole run stopper.

I think learning the new D scheme played a part too for maybe as much as most of the year.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

When linemen are constantly in your face as a linebacker, your chances of making tackles at the line of scrimmage greatly diminish.

[Mahdi]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

When linemen are constantly in your face as a linebacker, your chances of making tackles at the line of scrimmage greatly diminish.

That is true but Fletcher is unable to shed blockers and make tackles on his own and that is required for this system to work properly. That combined with improved penetration by DTs and we will be fine. Everyone will be better after a year with Fewell.

[HHURRICANE]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

The article is dead on about Fletcher. He is a liability against the run.

The Colts got alot worse this year. Maybe they are missing Tripplett? I think he is somebody that needs some players around him. I think he is still a good pickup and we should reserve judgement until the 07 season.

I hate the Tampa 2 and started my thread about this earlier today.

[ScottLawrence]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

I'm on the Patrick Willis Bandwagon.

This along with Signing a run stuffer like Ian Scott, and a Guard such as Eric Steinbech in FA.

[ParanoidAndroid]

Re: Bills' defense up the middle ready for changes

I don't disagree that we could use some youth at MLB...but...
It all works in concert. I remember Fletcher making those tackles when Williams and Adams were in the middle. If linemen are consistently able to get to the second level, there isn't a single LB out there who is going to make those tackles for no gain on a regular basis.
A DT doesn't have to be as big as Adams to occupy blockers, he simply has to be able to disrupt plays in the backfield so that teams have to double up.
I don't doubt that Fletcher has lost some speed, but I disagree with the analysis that he is/was a liability against the run. None of our D-linemen attracted a double team which left an O-lineman to give an initial punch and find the linebacker.
Fletcher is pretty good at shedding blocks and making tackles laterally, but he ends up doing it 3 yards past the line of scrimmage and then gives up another 2 or 3 yards to momentum which favors the runner.