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Reasons why Bills Defense won't be as dominant in 05'
Don't get me wrong this defense still has an abundant amount of talent, and no doubt will have their moments. I'm not sure they will get as many turnovers this year, but should still be able to apply consistent pressure. But as the season progresses and the offenses the Bills face get better, it's hard for me to see this team ranking among the top 5-10 in the league. Here are my legitimate reasons why:
1) Loss of Fat Pat Williams: the bottom line he was the best player on this unit next to Spikes/Clements. He was a destructive force that single handedly took over the game when offensive lineman had to double and triple team him. He opened the door for fletcher and spikes to roam free in the middle of the field. That won't be the case this year, edwards is a far cry from fat pat. And we all remember what happened in 02' when this guy was a starter. Fat Pat couldn't do it without Mount Washington and The Keg won't be able to do it without Fat Pat. There is a reason the Vikings shelled out big dollars for this guy and Bills fans will see why. Anderson/Edwards would have to be flawless to even come close to compensating for his loss, and I doubt that's happening.
2) Bills play much better offensive teams this year: The likes of the chiefs, raiders, falcons, chargers, bengals (with healthy Palmer) etc are a far cry from san fran and cleveland. Also considering the bills still see the juggernaut pats, a vastly improved fins team, and an overhauled jets offense twice....that doesnt' bode well for this unit. Every good defense gives up yards to the good teams, even the 00' Ravens unit was lit up a few times during their historic run. But this schedule is daunting to say the least.
3) 'Fire and ice' are getting old and older: still 2 solid players in malloy and vincent, but they are far from being rodney harrison and roy williams. Expect their age to show this year going up against younger, faster receivers. Teams will be able to find favorable match-ups with speedy slot receivers against them. Could be a major liability, especially if one of them gets hurt again. They've both shown their age, especially last year when they each missed a fair share of the season.
4) Mcgee is a great return man but not a starting corner. He has yet to prove he carry the full time load at that position. Teams aren't stupid enough to throw Nate Clements way too often, so he will definitely have a target on his back until he proves he can be a shut down corner. I'm not sure the Bills have adequate depth either at this position. If Mcgee struggles and they have to play musical chairs at that position it won't be good.
5) Bills still don't have a 2nd player at the DE end position that can be a consistent threat. Schobel is solid, but still a bit overated and overpaid IMO. Denney and Kelsay have show flashes, but also looked pitiful at times. The Bills definitely need help there especially since they already took a huge step back at the DT position with the loss of fat pat. Don't be surpised if Donahoe picks somebody up during this years preseason cuts.
6) Superior running teams proved they could put up big numbers against this unit. Look at what New England and Pittsburgh did against this defense for evidence of that. It's also got to be a concern that AJ Touchy Feely put up gaudy numbers in the air despite having 5 picks and no running game last year. I alluded to the fact the Bills play some juggernaut offensive units this season and it could be a major problem for this team come september.
In conclusion Jerry Gray is a great coordinator and will someday be a head coach IMO. Takeo Spikes is going to have a huge season despite losing his large buddy up front. Nate Clements should also post gaudy numbers in his last season in buffalo. Bottom line: I see this unit making plays and carrying the load early in the season, but once they hit the meat of their schedule they will be exposed similar to the way they were against pittsburgh. Teams might not have much success passing against Buffalo, but that could change dramatically if teams are able to pound the ball up the middle consistently. Expect them to finish between 11th-18th overrall says a philisophical troll.
1) Loss of Fat Pat Williams: the bottom line he was the best player on this unit next to Spikes/Clements. He was a destructive force that single handedly took over the game when offensive lineman had to double and triple team him. He opened the door for fletcher and spikes to roam free in the middle of the field. That won't be the case this year, edwards is a far cry from fat pat. And we all remember what happened in 02' when this guy was a starter. Fat Pat couldn't do it without Mount Washington and The Keg won't be able to do it without Fat Pat. There is a reason the Vikings shelled out big dollars for this guy and Bills fans will see why. Anderson/Edwards would have to be flawless to even come close to compensating for his loss, and I doubt that's happening.
2) Bills play much better offensive teams this year: The likes of the chiefs, raiders, falcons, chargers, bengals (with healthy Palmer) etc are a far cry from san fran and cleveland. Also considering the bills still see the juggernaut pats, a vastly improved fins team, and an overhauled jets offense twice....that doesnt' bode well for this unit. Every good defense gives up yards to the good teams, even the 00' Ravens unit was lit up a few times during their historic run. But this schedule is daunting to say the least.
3) 'Fire and ice' are getting old and older: still 2 solid players in malloy and vincent, but they are far from being rodney harrison and roy williams. Expect their age to show this year going up against younger, faster receivers. Teams will be able to find favorable match-ups with speedy slot receivers against them. Could be a major liability, especially if one of them gets hurt again. They've both shown their age, especially last year when they each missed a fair share of the season.
4) Mcgee is a great return man but not a starting corner. He has yet to prove he carry the full time load at that position. Teams aren't stupid enough to throw Nate Clements way too often, so he will definitely have a target on his back until he proves he can be a shut down corner. I'm not sure the Bills have adequate depth either at this position. If Mcgee struggles and they have to play musical chairs at that position it won't be good.
5) Bills still don't have a 2nd player at the DE end position that can be a consistent threat. Schobel is solid, but still a bit overated and overpaid IMO. Denney and Kelsay have show flashes, but also looked pitiful at times. The Bills definitely need help there especially since they already took a huge step back at the DT position with the loss of fat pat. Don't be surpised if Donahoe picks somebody up during this years preseason cuts.
6) Superior running teams proved they could put up big numbers against this unit. Look at what New England and Pittsburgh did against this defense for evidence of that. It's also got to be a concern that AJ Touchy Feely put up gaudy numbers in the air despite having 5 picks and no running game last year. I alluded to the fact the Bills play some juggernaut offensive units this season and it could be a major problem for this team come september.
In conclusion Jerry Gray is a great coordinator and will someday be a head coach IMO. Takeo Spikes is going to have a huge season despite losing his large buddy up front. Nate Clements should also post gaudy numbers in his last season in buffalo. Bottom line: I see this unit making plays and carrying the load early in the season, but once they hit the meat of their schedule they will be exposed similar to the way they were against pittsburgh. Teams might not have much success passing against Buffalo, but that could change dramatically if teams are able to pound the ball up the middle consistently. Expect them to finish between 11th-18th overrall says a philisophical troll.
Dallas Cowboys: We're not sure if he's the best quarterback named Drew on this team, but Drew Bledsoe has been hired to start behind center. Even if the Dallas defense is less doomed than last year, the Cowboys won't win it all because Bledsoe holds the ball longer than Kobe Bryant.
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