Mario signing was HUGE, but

[ZAZusmc03]

I couldn't tell you the last time I started a thread, if ever. But I just got off the overnight shift and i've had a few beers before I go to sleep. So here it goes.

I have to say, when I heard we would be going back to the 4-3, I was pumped. I knew we were weak at DE's, but the idea of Dareus and a healthy KW in the middle had me more excited about our D than I have been for quite a while. I know we were stricken by a ton of injuries to our starters, but who are you most excited for to be healthy this year?

For me, Kyle Williams comes #1. I can't wait to see what kind of havoc MD and KW do in the middle, especially with super Mario on the outside. Freddie comes in at #2 for me, but without a doubt, KW is #1. What say you?

[Skooby]

I couldn't tell you the last time I started a thread, if ever. But I just got off the overnight shift and i've had a few beers before I go to sleep. So here it goes.

I have to say, when I heard we would be going back to the 4-3, I was pumped. I knew we were weak at DE's, but the idea of Dareus and a healthy KW in the middle had me more excited about our D than I have been for quite a while. I know we were stricken by a ton of injuries to our starters, but who are you most excited for to be healthy this year?

For me, Kyle Williams comes #1. I can't wait to see what kind of havoc MD and KW do in the middle, especially with super Mario on the outside. Freddie comes in at #2 for me, but without a doubt, KW is #1. What say you?

I think you need to post more, it's a brilliant assessment (thanks for posting).

[Tatonka]

i agree. i think the fact that we will have 3 superior DL on the field at the same time will make the whole defense better. significantly better. and i do think that kellsay, with that cast up front, will be able to take advantage of the situation. i mean you have to double at least two of them, leaving two single covered. that is a huge advantage. and if we can sign mark anderson as a rush specialist that would be a huge help.

and none of that even takes into account a healthy merriman and any additional draft picks. im ok with barnett, sheppard, and morrison as it stands without merriman or a draft pick. im fine with byrd and wilson at safety. and im ok with florence and mckelvin as well. if someone else emerges other than that, then great.

this year is gonna be exciting. hopefully they stay healthy.

[zone]

Man you have a lot of screen names.

[Meathead]

bufallo?

[Forward_Lateral]

If Kyle Williams can return to his pro bowl form before his injury, and Dareus improves like he should, this team is going to make a 180 on Defense.

[better days]

I am most excited to see Kyle #1 and Merriman #2. If both Kyle Williams & Shawne Merriman are healthy, The Bills DL will be scary good.

[Forward_Lateral]

I'm curious to see how Merriman plays with either a.) his hand to the ground as a DE in a 4-3 and/or b.) as an OLB in a 4-3. I don't think he's ever done either.

[OpIv37]

I'm curious to see how Merriman plays with either a.) his hand to the ground as a DE in a 4-3 and/or b.) as an OLB in a 4-3. I don't think he's ever done either.


Most likely, Merriman will act as either a 4-3 DE with his hand in the dirt or a blitzing 3-4 OLB in obvious pass rushing situations. I expect him to be a pass rush specialist and I don't see him lining up in the 4-3 in short yardage situations or early downs.

[jamze132]

I'm hoping that the addition of Mario Williams will motivate Merriman a little and maybe he can work through his injuries. If he's even 80% of what he was before, it's an improvement.

[BertSquirtgum]

I don't understand why people think Merriman won't be playing on running downs. He is very good against the run.

[tatersalad]

Why couldnt we do this last year and steal that DE that tampa bay got in the 3rd round? day late and a dollar short

[mysticsoto]

I don't understand why people think Merriman won't be playing on running downs. He is very good against the run.

I'll agree with this. Last yr he contained very well. He just couldn't break free to get to the QB - though I thought that was in part due to alot of holding. Nevertheless, it may be that he doesn't have the speed or agility anymore to rush the passer, but contain he can still do well.

[DraftBoy]

I don't understand why people think Merriman won't be playing on running downs. He is very good against the run.
Because playing as a stand up LB with two steps before you get blocked compared to a hand down DE with half a step till you get blocked is an entirely different ball game and its an area that Merriman has never been good at in the pros.

[BertSquirtgum]

Merriman will be a linebacker.