The Spaz
07-28-2004, 12:43 PM
The Buffalo Bills were second in the National Football League in fewest yards allowed last season, but the ranking was a bit deceiving because the defense didn't make enough big plays.
For the second straight season, the Bills had the fewest takeaways in the NFL with 18, tying a franchise low. If the defense is going to progress from good to great, it must improve its playmaking skills this summer.
"If you look at the teams in the AFC that made the playoffs, most of them were at the top of the league in takeaways, even if their defense wasn't at the top in total defense," Bills defensive coordinator Jerry Gray said. "We have to stress to the guys as much as possible how important it is to take the football away."
How will the Bills create more turnovers?
"I don't think there's any magical thing you can do, but you have to create the atmosphere of trying to get the football," Gray said. "If a guy is making a tackle, the next guy should be trying to get the football out. If the ball is tipped in the air we should be able to get it, or if the ball touches our hands we should be able to intercept it. The more times you stress those things, the more your guys are going to have a chance to do it. Then it becomes contagious."
The defense got better last year because the talent was upgraded. The arrival of linebackers Takeo Spikes and Jeff Posey, defensive tackle Sam Adams and strong safety Lawyer Milloy gave the defense more flexibility. With 10 of 11 starters returning, Gray won't be limited in his use of multiple fronts and pressure packages.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20040728/1051112.asp?tbd1051112.asp
For the second straight season, the Bills had the fewest takeaways in the NFL with 18, tying a franchise low. If the defense is going to progress from good to great, it must improve its playmaking skills this summer.
"If you look at the teams in the AFC that made the playoffs, most of them were at the top of the league in takeaways, even if their defense wasn't at the top in total defense," Bills defensive coordinator Jerry Gray said. "We have to stress to the guys as much as possible how important it is to take the football away."
How will the Bills create more turnovers?
"I don't think there's any magical thing you can do, but you have to create the atmosphere of trying to get the football," Gray said. "If a guy is making a tackle, the next guy should be trying to get the football out. If the ball is tipped in the air we should be able to get it, or if the ball touches our hands we should be able to intercept it. The more times you stress those things, the more your guys are going to have a chance to do it. Then it becomes contagious."
The defense got better last year because the talent was upgraded. The arrival of linebackers Takeo Spikes and Jeff Posey, defensive tackle Sam Adams and strong safety Lawyer Milloy gave the defense more flexibility. With 10 of 11 starters returning, Gray won't be limited in his use of multiple fronts and pressure packages.
http://www.buffalonews.com/editorial/20040728/1051112.asp?tbd1051112.asp