Considering the anemic offense did them no favors, the Bills defense has been remarkably formidable in 2009. The unit ranks just 21st in yards and is dead last against the run, but those numbers are partially overblown because they’ve been on the field more than any team in the league.
The defense has intercepted 26 passes, tied with New Orleans for second in the NFL and trailing Green Bay by just one. It’s quite the turnaround after picking off just 10 in 2008. Their 31 sacks in 2009 is already four more than they reached last year.
This was also done despite a devastating depletion of talent due to injuries. When the Bills line up to face the Colts they’ll be doing so with starting linebackers Chris Draft and Jon Corto as well as Reggie Corner getting the nod at cornerback. Kawika Mitchell went down for the season in week five. Keith Ellison was third in the NFL with 68 tackles when his season ended at the midway point. Paul Posluszny missed more than a month with a broken forearm. Donte Whitner missed five games with injuries. Leodis McKelvin’s season lasted all of three games. Terrence McGee battled injuries all year before finally succumbing to a bad shoulder. Kyle Williams and even rookie sensation Jairus Byrd have been less than healthy.
The defense has intercepted 26 passes, tied with New Orleans for second in the NFL and trailing Green Bay by just one. It’s quite the turnaround after picking off just 10 in 2008. Their 31 sacks in 2009 is already four more than they reached last year.
This was also done despite a devastating depletion of talent due to injuries. When the Bills line up to face the Colts they’ll be doing so with starting linebackers Chris Draft and Jon Corto as well as Reggie Corner getting the nod at cornerback. Kawika Mitchell went down for the season in week five. Keith Ellison was third in the NFL with 68 tackles when his season ended at the midway point. Paul Posluszny missed more than a month with a broken forearm. Donte Whitner missed five games with injuries. Leodis McKelvin’s season lasted all of three games. Terrence McGee battled injuries all year before finally succumbing to a bad shoulder. Kyle Williams and even rookie sensation Jairus Byrd have been less than healthy.
Besides, Fewell is under contract and Wilson is branded as a guy not opposed to saving a penny or two. In fact, I wouldn’t be the least bit surprised if Nix’s instructed to try and find a coach willing to keep as much of the current assistant regime in tact as possible.
It’s the biggest reason why although I believe the Bills interest in Cowher and is legitimate, hiring him could potentially mean a complete house cleaning of the entire coaching staff, which is something I’m not sold on Wilson, a man who likes continuity, is willing to do.
It’s the biggest reason why although I believe the Bills interest in Cowher and is legitimate, hiring him could potentially mean a complete house cleaning of the entire coaching staff, which is something I’m not sold on Wilson, a man who likes continuity, is willing to do.
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