Tweet
This may turn out to be one of the team's most stacked defensive units in recent memory, and certainly the most since 1993.
Not only does the team have top-notch talent in guys like Marcus Stroud and Aaron Schobel up front, the unit is loaded with something the team hasn't had in years--- tremendous depth.
Schobel and Kelsay start up front and should be aided tremendously by the addition of Stroud. If McCargo even comes close to amounting what a first round selection should play like this year, this unit should be solid. There's also not just good, but proven depth upfront with Spencer Johnson. Kyle Williams has been a starter and will be much more effective coming off the bench than Jason Jefferson was last year. Greg Ellis was a smart pick as the team plans on having him emulate what Anthony Hargrove once did- become a disruption in the backfield (and hopefully unlike Hargrove, not one off the field as well).
The linebacking should be greatly improved. The addition of Mitchell is a big one, not just because he's an upgrade over Keith Ellison on the field, but because he also brings great leadership to a team badly in need of it. Mitchell is one of the few proven winners on this team and his value should go beyond just numbers. Crowell is on the verge of becoming a Pro Bowl calibre OLB and will be even better with more talent surrounding him. Of course, the Bills may want to take notice of that this summer and extend him before the season, as he's going into the final year of his deal. Posluszny looked very good in limited action before the injury last year. Stroud should free up blockers from putting a helmet on him every play, alllowing him to be more of an impact player. He still needs to improve in pass coverage but is smart enough to do that over time. While Ellison and DiGiorgio aren't good enough to be starters, they provide excellent, proven depth off the bench.
Perhaps the most exciting part of this defense will be the secondary. Leodis McKelvin has the ability to have a Darelle Reevis-like impact on the unit early on. He'll probably start the year as a nickelback, but it won't be long before he's in the staring lineup and eventually, the number one corner. This will help take some pressure off Terrence McGee, who's regarded around the league as very underated. Jabrari Greer and Will James give this team four very capable corners (bye bye Youboty), something the club hasn't had in a very long time, and needs to compete against the likes of New England. Ko Simpson is healthy and has looked great in OTA's so far. He has the ability to be a ball hawk, a poor man's Ed Reed. The key for him is obviously staying healthy. Donte Whitner has emerged as a leader off the field. It's time for him to start being one on it. His stat-line looks good in terms of tackles through his first two years, but his impact plays (interceptions, sacks, forced fumbles, key breakups) has been minimal to say the least. Going into his third year, I expect him to really grow into an impact safety this season. George Wilson and Bart Scott provide above average depth. OVerall, this secondary is potentially as good as its been since the days of Winfield/Clements starting at the corners.
Injuries always play a factor in a team's success, but I think that last year has us much better prepared for 2008 when/if injuries occur. Guys like Wilson and DiGiorgio got valuable experience and are now very capable of stepping in when needed. Greer and Spencer Johnson have already contributed solidly and will play a big role, off the bench or not. And Eillison and Williams, while not good enough to be starters, are fine role players off the bench.
In my opinion, the only thing that needs to happen for this team to LEGIMITATELY contend for a playoff spot is not **** things up offensively. That is the single-most reason why I like Trent Edwards more than Losman. While Trent will never be another Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, he's more than capable of managing a game, keeping the chains moving, and with better talent around him (Hardy perhaps) converting more red zone trips into touchdowns. I expect him to take a major leap this season.
And the passing game doesn't have to mirror the San Diego Chargers of the early 80's. We have a great, versatile running back in Marhsawn Lynch. He's already shown the ability to run people over on the field (and off it as well, "allegedly") and new coordinator Turk Schonert insists he's goign to be a much bigger part of the passing game.
I'm doing something I haven't done in five years. With the talent and enormous depth on defense, an improved Edwards and Lynch on offense, a rookie WR I think is going to be amazing (Hardy) a schedule that I perceive as favorable-- I'm predicting the Bills win 11 games in 2008 and finally make the playoffs, hosting a game as well being the 4th seed in the AFC.
Not only does the team have top-notch talent in guys like Marcus Stroud and Aaron Schobel up front, the unit is loaded with something the team hasn't had in years--- tremendous depth.
Schobel and Kelsay start up front and should be aided tremendously by the addition of Stroud. If McCargo even comes close to amounting what a first round selection should play like this year, this unit should be solid. There's also not just good, but proven depth upfront with Spencer Johnson. Kyle Williams has been a starter and will be much more effective coming off the bench than Jason Jefferson was last year. Greg Ellis was a smart pick as the team plans on having him emulate what Anthony Hargrove once did- become a disruption in the backfield (and hopefully unlike Hargrove, not one off the field as well).
The linebacking should be greatly improved. The addition of Mitchell is a big one, not just because he's an upgrade over Keith Ellison on the field, but because he also brings great leadership to a team badly in need of it. Mitchell is one of the few proven winners on this team and his value should go beyond just numbers. Crowell is on the verge of becoming a Pro Bowl calibre OLB and will be even better with more talent surrounding him. Of course, the Bills may want to take notice of that this summer and extend him before the season, as he's going into the final year of his deal. Posluszny looked very good in limited action before the injury last year. Stroud should free up blockers from putting a helmet on him every play, alllowing him to be more of an impact player. He still needs to improve in pass coverage but is smart enough to do that over time. While Ellison and DiGiorgio aren't good enough to be starters, they provide excellent, proven depth off the bench.
Perhaps the most exciting part of this defense will be the secondary. Leodis McKelvin has the ability to have a Darelle Reevis-like impact on the unit early on. He'll probably start the year as a nickelback, but it won't be long before he's in the staring lineup and eventually, the number one corner. This will help take some pressure off Terrence McGee, who's regarded around the league as very underated. Jabrari Greer and Will James give this team four very capable corners (bye bye Youboty), something the club hasn't had in a very long time, and needs to compete against the likes of New England. Ko Simpson is healthy and has looked great in OTA's so far. He has the ability to be a ball hawk, a poor man's Ed Reed. The key for him is obviously staying healthy. Donte Whitner has emerged as a leader off the field. It's time for him to start being one on it. His stat-line looks good in terms of tackles through his first two years, but his impact plays (interceptions, sacks, forced fumbles, key breakups) has been minimal to say the least. Going into his third year, I expect him to really grow into an impact safety this season. George Wilson and Bart Scott provide above average depth. OVerall, this secondary is potentially as good as its been since the days of Winfield/Clements starting at the corners.
Injuries always play a factor in a team's success, but I think that last year has us much better prepared for 2008 when/if injuries occur. Guys like Wilson and DiGiorgio got valuable experience and are now very capable of stepping in when needed. Greer and Spencer Johnson have already contributed solidly and will play a big role, off the bench or not. And Eillison and Williams, while not good enough to be starters, are fine role players off the bench.
In my opinion, the only thing that needs to happen for this team to LEGIMITATELY contend for a playoff spot is not **** things up offensively. That is the single-most reason why I like Trent Edwards more than Losman. While Trent will never be another Peyton Manning or Tom Brady, he's more than capable of managing a game, keeping the chains moving, and with better talent around him (Hardy perhaps) converting more red zone trips into touchdowns. I expect him to take a major leap this season.
And the passing game doesn't have to mirror the San Diego Chargers of the early 80's. We have a great, versatile running back in Marhsawn Lynch. He's already shown the ability to run people over on the field (and off it as well, "allegedly") and new coordinator Turk Schonert insists he's goign to be a much bigger part of the passing game.
I'm doing something I haven't done in five years. With the talent and enormous depth on defense, an improved Edwards and Lynch on offense, a rookie WR I think is going to be amazing (Hardy) a schedule that I perceive as favorable-- I'm predicting the Bills win 11 games in 2008 and finally make the playoffs, hosting a game as well being the 4th seed in the AFC.
Comment