Will The 2015 Buffalo Bills Defense Be The Best In Team History?

[BillsImpossible]

Pettine's defense in 2013 was good. Schwartz's defense in 2014 was very good.

Will Rex Ryan's 2015 defense be the best ever in team history?

Feels like the Bills have more talent on defense now than at any other time, even more than the early 90's.

What excites me the most about the Bills defense this year is their ability to play both a 3-4 and a 4-3 scheme.

Versatility and disguising the defense is a huge asset to have for the Bills.

Nobody has any idea who will be starting at nose tackle. Kyle Williams, Dareus? Charles?

Will Mario Williams be a linebacker or a defensive end?

Jerry Hughes, linebacker or speed rusher off the edge?

Both? Don't expect to see anything in preseason.

Rex Ryan was the defensive line coach of the 2000 Super Bowl Champion Baltimore Ravens.

The Ravens didn't score a touchdown in 5 consecutive games that season.

Tony Banks was benched in favor of Dilfer and the rest is Back to the Bills Future?

Great Scott!

That team had one of the best defenses in NFL history and Rex Ryan was a big part of it.

I think he has the same kind of talent to work with today.

21.1 gigawatts on defense with Kim and Terry Pegula as the flux capacitor.

[YardRat]

Hell no.

[BillsImpossible]

Hell no.

Which Bill's defense from the past is better?

1988? 1991? 1995? 1999?

Bruce Smith, Biscuit, Shane Conlin, Talley, Paup, Spielman, Cowart, Ted Washington, a lot of names from past defenses come to mind.

I don't think any of those teams had as much talent as the Bills do today, especially in the secondary.

[YardRat]

Which Bill's defense from the past is better?

1988? 1991? 1995? 1999?

Yes. Also '64-'65, and 2014. Obviously no games have been played yet, so to even attempt to rank this year's version is extremely premature, but I don't expect them to be as good as those listed.


Bruce Smith, Biscuit, Shane Conlin, Talley, Paup, Spielman, Cowart, Ted Washington, a lot of names from past defenses come to mind.

I don't think any of those teams had as much talent as the Bills do today, especially in the secondary.

There isn't anybody on this defense that even comes close to those mentioned. Many are young, however, and still have the opportunity to make their mark. Those are awfully high standards to live up to, though.

[Mace]

I'll know when I see some stats. I'm fine with "who knows" for now though.

[BillsImpossible]

You know Rex. He doesn't want to have to best defense in Bills history, he wants to have the best defense of All-Time.

Does he see the same kind of talent in this group that he did 15 years ago in Baltimore?

I think he does.

[BillsImpossible]

Marcell Dareus is in the, "Bruce Smith," category of defensive talent.

Mario Williams is too. So the Bills have 2 Bruce Smith's.

Kyle Williams is a better player than Phil Hansen. Sorry, Phil.

Jerry Hughes is one of the most talented defensive players the Bills have ever had. He's a lot like Darryl Talley.

I think Gilmore will be a better player than Nate Odomes.

Aaron Williams is a better player than Mark Kelso. Sorry Mark!

[Luisito23]

LOL...You need to stop with these silly comparisons, I don't even think you believe in some of those.

[YardRat]

Marcell Dareus is in the, "Bruce Smith," category of defensive talent.

Mario Williams is too. So the Bills have 2 Bruce Smith's.

Kyle Williams is a better player than Phil Hansen. Sorry, Phil.

Jerry Hughes is one of the most talented defensive players the Bills have ever had. He's a lot like Darryl Talley.

I think Gilmore will be a better player than Nate Odomes.

Aaron Williams is a better player than Mark Kelso. Sorry Mark!

The unbolded is arguable...maybe. The bolded parts? Wow...

[YardRat]

Jerry Hughes rode the bench in the last incarnation of this defense in favor of Manny Lawson.

[BillsImpossible]

Jerry Hughes rode the bench in the last incarnation of this defense in favor of Manny Lawson.

Then why did the Bills bother to resign him for big money?

Maybe because he proved he could do more than Manny Lawson. Hughes turns 27 years young in August, he's in the prime of his career.

[YardRat]

Then why did the Bills bother to resign him for big money?

Maybe because he proved he could do more than Manny Lawson. Hughes turns 27 years young in August, he's in the prime of his career.

He was a better fit for Schwartz's defense, and produced last season. Granted, he produced sacks also in '13, but the reality is he was a situational player that season, a pass-rushing specialist. It will be interesting to see how he performs as a starter under Ryan, because even if Lawson is a better fit they aren't going to pay Hiughes that kind of money to be a part-timer.

[Topas]

...
Mario Williams is [in the, "Bruce Smith," category of defensive talent]. ...


Ehhrrm. NO!
But nice try though.

[Historian]

1980

Next inane thread...

[Ed]

I think Rex Ryan could be the best defensive-minded coach we've ever had and there is a ton of talent to work with, so it's possible. Injuries could change things significantly, but there's no reason this D can't be special and one of the best. It will be hard to compare to previous D's though, because the rules favor the offense so much more than in the 80's and 90's.

[mightysimi]

200 sacks. That is all I have to say about the Mario/Bruce comparison.

[BillsImpossible]

200 sacks. That is all I have to say about the Mario/Bruce comparison.

Bruce played 19 seasons in the NFL. He averaged about 10.5 sacks per year.

Mario Williams has played 9 seasons in the NFL. He averages about 10 sacks per year, and he just turned 30.

He could have another 5 years left in the tank or more. If he plays until he's in his late 30's, he might come close to Bruce's record, but I don't think he'll break it. He has 91 sacks so far. I honestly think Mario Williams has at least another 50 sacks left in him. 141 sacks would tie Michael Strahan.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/history/leaders/_/stat/sacks

Mario Williams did not always play defensive end either, and he also didn't play for a very good team in Houston for six years.

If Super Mario has 2 more great years left in him, he's going to Canton, OH.

[Frenchman]

Bills have had the best team in the early 1990's IMHO. And a great defense and a great offense as well. Despite losing four SB's.

[BillsImpossible]

LOL...You need to stop with these silly comparisons, I don't even think you believe in some of those.

I don't think it's silly to make those comparisons at all.

This team has more talent than any previous Bills defense, ever.

This could be the best defense we've ever seen before as Bills fans.

Mario Williams, Marcell Dareus, Kyle Williams, Charles, Wynn

Bradham, Lawson, Brown, Hughes, Powell, Gaines

Gilmore, McKelvin, Darby, Robey

Williams, Graham, Williams, Rambo

That's an incredible amount of defensive talent to work with.

They have the depth. They have the pass rushers. They have the secondary. They have the linebackers. They have the coach.

The Bills quite possibly could have one of the best defenses of All-Time on their hands.

If they didn't have Super Mario and Marcell Dareus, I would never say such a thing.

I want to do the Super Bowl Shuffle now.

This is for Rexy's poppa, Buddy Ryan, the DC of the 1985 Chicago Bears defense.

Go Bills.

<iframe width="640" height="390" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/cZeQ9buHOU4" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

[YardRat]

I think Rex Ryan could be the best defensive-minded coach we've ever had and there is a ton of talent to work with, so it's possible. Injuries could change things significantly, but there's no reason this D can't be special and one of the best. It will be hard to compare to previous D's though, because the rules favor the offense so much more than in the 80's and 90's.

It won't be hard to compare it to last season's.

[OpIv37]

No love for the 03/04 defenses that were 2nd in the league?

They held Cleveland to 37 offensive yards for the ENTIRE GAME. Granted, it was the expansion Browns but that's still a huge accomplishment.

Our D has been great the last 2 years but that D was better.

[TacklingDummy]

Will The 2015 Buffalo Bills Defense Be The Best In Team History?

That will depend on the pass rush.

The key to stopping teams and creating turnovers is the pressure the defense puts on the Quarterback.

[BillsImpossible]

No love for the 03/04 defenses that were 2nd in the league?

They held Cleveland to 37 offensive yards for the ENTIRE GAME. Granted, it was the expansion Browns but that's still a huge accomplishment.

Our D has been great the last 2 years but that D was better.

Statistically, the 2003 Bills were better. Dick LeBeau's defense was very good, but they didn't get to the quarterback enough.

If the Bills had Drew Bledsoe in 2013-14, their defensive ranking would likely be higher.

Bledsoe wasn't great, but he did do enough to at least keep the defense fresh, unlike the past two seasons.

A good offense always makes the defense look better, and play better.

Pat Williams
Sam Adams
Aaron Schobel
Chris Kelsay
London Fletcher
Takeo Spikes
Jeff Posey
Antoine Winfield
Lawyer Milloy
Nate Clements
Terrence McGee

or

Marcell Dareus
Mario Williams
Kyle Williams
Jerry Hughes
Nigel Bradham
Preston Brown
Stephon Gilmore
Leodis McKelvin
Ronald Darby
Aaron Williams
Corey Graham

It all comes down to the pass rush.

[better days]

Yes. Also '64-'65, and 2014. Obviously no games have been played yet, so to even attempt to rank this year's version is extremely premature, but I don't expect them to be as good as those listed.



There isn't anybody on this defense that even comes close to those mentioned. Many are young, however, and still have the opportunity to make their mark. Those are awfully high standards to live up to, though.

I think this defense might be better, but I was going to bring up the 64-65 Bills.

Tom Sestak & Ron McDole upfront.

Harry Jacobs & Mike Stratton at LB.

Butch Byrd at CB, George Saimes at Safety.

That was a hell of a defense.

[better days]

It won't be hard to compare it to last season's.

And I can't wait until we can do that.

I know you think the defense will take a step back from last year, but I expect them to take a step ahead.

[YardRat]

And I can't wait until we can do that.

I know you think the defense will take a step back from last year, but I expect them to take a step ahead.

I will gladly eat crow if they do.

[swiper]

I think this defense might be better, but I was going to bring up the 64-65 Bills.

Tom Sestak & Ron McDole upfront.

Harry Jacobs & Mike Stratton at LB.

Butch Byrd at CB, George Saimes at Safety.

That was a hell of a defense.

I can't make comparisons between Tom Landry and Rex Ryan, yet you're goinng to compare that defense with this year's? You can't have it both ways.

I'm calling you out.

That defense played in a different era. Doesn't matter. Per you.

[better days]

I can't make comparisons between Tom Landry and Rex Ryan, yet you're goinng to compare that defense with this year's? You can't have it both ways.

I'm calling you out.

That defense played in a different era. Doesn't matter. Per you.

I'm not really comparing them.

I just said that CHAMPIONSHIP Bills defense was a hell of a defense.

I will say in all the years I have been watching football that I never saw a hit like the one Mike Stratton put on the Chargers Keith Lincoln in the Championship game.

Lincoln was the best TE at the time and was making plays all over the field for the Chargers in that game before that hit.

[POTLAND PSILBYLO]

1980

Next inane thread...
Was that the year with two shutouts to start the season?

[Historian]

Was that the year with two shutouts to start the season?

1981 they shut out the Jets 31-0 and almost shut out the Colts 35-3

[mightysimi]

Bruce played 19 seasons in the NFL. He averaged about 10.5 sacks per year.

Mario Williams has played 9 seasons in the NFL. He averages about 10 sacks per year, and he just turned 30.

He could have another 5 years left in the tank or more. If he plays until he's in his late 30's, he might come close to Bruce's record, but I don't think he'll break it. He has 91 sacks so far. I honestly think Mario Williams has at least another 50 sacks left in him. 141 sacks would tie Michael Strahan.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/history/leaders/_/stat/sacks

Mario Williams did not always play defensive end either, and he also didn't play for a very good team in Houston for six years.

If Super Mario has 2 more great years left in him, he's going to Canton, OH.

141 is a good career. Still 59 or almost 6 full seasons worth of sacks at the average to catch Bruce. Mario is a great player but to compare him to one of the 2 best DE's ever? Seems a bit of a stretch.

[gebobs]

Those SB defenses were such a waste of talent. Man for man, they had no equal. But dumbass Walt Corey made their total less than the sum of the parts.