Don't Panic
05-05-2007, 07:31 AM
http://www.realfootball365.com/nfl/articles/2007/05/bills-crowell-leader040507.html
When it comes to losing big-name defensive players, the 2007 offseason has been a busy one for the <ACRONYM title="Buffalo Bills News">Buffalo Bills</ACRONYM> . Their No. 1 cornerback of the past few seasons, Nate Clements, departed for a record-setting contract in San Francisco, and linebackers London Fletcher (signed with Washington) and Takeo Spikes (traded to Philadelphia) are also gone. With those three no longer on the Bills' roster, the team now has to find brand new leaders on defense.
The first to step into that role appears to be 25-year-old linebacker Angelo Crowell. The four-year veteran has been one of the Bills' better players since bursting onto the scene in 2005. In 27 games for Buffalo over the past two seasons, Crowell has amassed 201 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions. When healthy, the 2003 third-round pick from the University of Virginia has been a superb playmaker.
Now, after four years of playing second fiddle to more well-known defenders, Crowell has become a veteran standout. He's joined by the likes of Chris Kelsay, Ryan Denney, Aaron Schobel and Terrence McGee as long-term mainstays on Buffalo's defense. And Crowell is ready to set an example for the Bills' younger players.
Looking at that list, we're gonna need huge contributions from a bunch of those guys in order to be good. Here's to hoping Kelsay earns every dollar of that deal he just signed.
When it comes to losing big-name defensive players, the 2007 offseason has been a busy one for the <ACRONYM title="Buffalo Bills News">Buffalo Bills</ACRONYM> . Their No. 1 cornerback of the past few seasons, Nate Clements, departed for a record-setting contract in San Francisco, and linebackers London Fletcher (signed with Washington) and Takeo Spikes (traded to Philadelphia) are also gone. With those three no longer on the Bills' roster, the team now has to find brand new leaders on defense.
The first to step into that role appears to be 25-year-old linebacker Angelo Crowell. The four-year veteran has been one of the Bills' better players since bursting onto the scene in 2005. In 27 games for Buffalo over the past two seasons, Crowell has amassed 201 tackles, five sacks and four interceptions. When healthy, the 2003 third-round pick from the University of Virginia has been a superb playmaker.
Now, after four years of playing second fiddle to more well-known defenders, Crowell has become a veteran standout. He's joined by the likes of Chris Kelsay, Ryan Denney, Aaron Schobel and Terrence McGee as long-term mainstays on Buffalo's defense. And Crowell is ready to set an example for the Bills' younger players.
Looking at that list, we're gonna need huge contributions from a bunch of those guys in order to be good. Here's to hoping Kelsay earns every dollar of that deal he just signed.