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After 7-9 rut, defense gets makeover
After 7-9 rut, defense gets a makeover
By Jeff Zillgitt, USA TODAY
After consecutive 7-9 seasons, this year is — to borrow a golf term — moving day for the Buffalo Bills.
Can they make a playoff push, or will they miss the postseason cut?
At the very least, the Bills added some new clubs to their bag — especially defensively — through free agency and the draft, though Buffalo fans may need a program to keep track of all the new players on a defense that was ravaged by injuries in 2007. The new cast of characters includes:
•Former Pro Bowl defensive tackle Marcus Stroud, who arrives in a trade with the Jacksonville Jaguars and will be counted on to create havoc up the middle.
•Linebacker Kawika Mitchell, who defected from the champion New York Giants and will likely take over on the weak side.
•Paul Posluszny isn't a new face, but the middle linebacker lasted only three games his rookie season before a broken forearm put him on the shelf.
•A fleet of cornerbacks, including first-round pick Leodis McKelvin — one of three corners Buffalo drafted — and veteran Will James.
•Veteran tackle Spencer Johnson and rookie end Chris Ellis are also on hand to bring depth to the defensive line..................
~The Answer
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