Is this the best Bills defense ever?

[BuffaloRedleg]

We've had some superb defenses over the years, is this the best?

I think the answer might be yes.

Either way, it's quite an indictment of the modern ESPN highlight loving douche-friendly NFL and the Bills Offense that a team with a defense as unreal as this will most likely not even make the playoffs.

[pmoon6]

We've had some superb defenses over the years, is this the best?

I think the answer might be yes.

Either way, it's quite an indictment of the modern ESPN highlight loving douche-friendly NFL and the Bills Offense that a team with a defense as unreal as this will most likely not even make the playoffs.

Hard question.

Different rules, different game.

The NFL is a shadow of it's former self. I've thought for some time that the QB's should where dresses. Now, you can include the WR's.

[BuffaloRedleg]

Hard question.

Different rules, different game.

The NFL is a shadow of it's former self. I've thought for some time that the QB's should where dresses. Now, you can include the WR's.

I was genuinely hoping that either you or Wagon would be the first to respond as you old school guys give the best long term perspective overall haha

I think the fact that this defense shut down 2 future HOF QBs in the modern NFL makes the case even more strong, actually.

[WagonCircler]

Hard question.

Different rules, different game.

The NFL is a shadow of it's former self. I've thought for some time that the QB's should where dresses. Now, you can include the WR's.

I think, though, if you compare each era's Bills Defense against its contemporaries, this Defense really stands out. And there's not really a glaring weak link--like Jeff Wright--for example. Or Walt Corey.

Can you imagine Dareus instead of Jeff Wright or Schwartz instead of Corey in SB XXV?

OK. Getting angry. I need to stop thinking about this.

[BuffaloRedleg]

I think, though, if you compare each era's Bills Defense against its contemporaries, this Defense really stands out. And there's not really a glaring weak link--like Jeff Wright--for example. Or Walt Corey.

Can you imagine Dareus instead of Jeff Wright or Schwartz instead of Corey in SB XXV?

OK. Getting angry. I need to stop thinking about this.

I used to love Jeff Wright as a kid. I think he visited my elementary school for some event and I got his card.

At ~7 that's pretty much all that is needed to be a fan.

[OpIv37]

No.

This D is great- don't get me wrong.

But remember when the '04 D held Cleveland to 27 total yards of offense? THAT was dominant. The late 90's defenses with Bryce Paup and Chris Spielman were great as well.

[BuffaloRedleg]

No.

This D is great- don't get me wrong.

But remember when the '04 D held Cleveland to 27 total yards of offense? THAT was dominant. The late 90's defenses with Bryce Paup and Chris Spielman were great as well.

I was thinking the late 90's, that '04 team I forgot was ridiculous as well, but have they ever performed a feat like they have in the last 2 weeks?

I guess you have to weight the whole season, but I think also the NFL has changed a lot since those days in favor of the offense.

At the very least, this was the most impressive 2 game stretch defensively in history.

[pmoon6]

I think, though, if you compare each era's Bills Defense against its contemporaries, this Defense really stands out. And there's not really a glaring weak link--like Jeff Wright--for example. Or Walt Corey.

Can you imagine Dareus instead of Jeff Wright or Schwartz instead of Corey in SB XXV?

OK. Getting angry. I need to stop thinking about this.

Good point. I always thought if they kept Smerlas for that year that they would have fared better against the Giants, but that's pure speculation. i also thought the loss of Derrick Burroughs hurt the defense in general. He was shaping up to be a great corner when they found his neck abnormality.

Thinking a little more about, Redleg makes some good points about this defense. Our line gives us the latitude to just rush four and our backers are good against the run. If they are not our best defense, they are certainly in the conversation.

Personally, I think the '64 and 65 defenses were the best. They talk about the Chefs with Willie Lanier and Buck Buchanon because they won the SB, but our defense was fantastic, holding a Sid Gillman offense to seven points total in TWO title games. Remarkable. I would have loved to see those teams matched up with the Packers and the Browns, but it's just Buffalo's luck to be a year or two short of history.

[pmoon6]

I'll toss in the "Bermuda Triangle" as well.

[jimmifli]

Wade's D's were pretty good too. Good enough to make the playoffs.

[OpIv37]

I was thinking the late 90's, that '04 team I forgot was ridiculous as well, but have they ever performed a feat like they have in the last 2 weeks?

I guess you have to weight the whole season, but I think also the NFL has changed a lot since those days in favor of the offense.

At the very least, this was the most impressive 2 game stretch defensively in history.

Can't really argue with that. They shut down two HOF QB's in consecutive weeks at a time when the rules favor passing and offense more than ever.

[Mr. Cynical]

I think, though, if you compare each era's Bills Defense against its contemporaries, this Defense really stands out. And there's not really a glaring weak link--like Jeff Wright--for example. Or Walt Corey.

Can you imagine Dareus instead of Jeff Wright or Schwartz instead of Corey in SB XXV?

OK. Getting angry. I need to stop thinking about this.

Let's not forget Mark "The Great Gazoo" Kelso.

mark-kelsos-head-was-used-for-helmet-storage.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...reat_Gazoo.png

[BuffaloRedleg]

Let's not forget Mark "The Great Gazoo" Kelso.

mark-kelsos-head-was-used-for-helmet-storage.jpg

http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedi...reat_Gazoo.png

Hey in terms of concussion protection he was decades before his time.

[Mr. Cynical]

Hey in terms of concussion protection he was decades before his time.

Too bad his 5.2 sec 40 speed and tackling skills were decades after his time. Would have flourished in the 1930s.

Jokes aside, it used to really peeve me off when 9 out of 10 times he was the 3rd or 4th guy in on the tackle (basically draping himself on the pile) because he was so slow. And, he didn't put the hurt on anyone either, so worst of both worlds for a safety (no speed, no power). Really don't get how he was on the team for so long but it's ancient history.

[djjimkelly]

the defenses in the 1998 and 1999 seasons were pretty damn good also. i think 1999 is the best bills D ive seen

[imbondz]

HELL NO!

[Night Train]

The mid 1960's D, when I was a kid, dominated the AFL.

[Meathead]

The mid 1960's D, when I was a kid, dominated the AFL.

back then film wasnt invented yet so heres an artists rendering of what that bills d looked like

[YardRat]

Good point. I always thought if they kept Smerlas for that year that they would have fared better against the Giants, but that's pure speculation. i also thought the loss of Derrick Burroughs hurt the defense in general. He was shaping up to be a great corner when they found his neck abnormality.

Major props for referencing Burroughs...my second favorite Bill of all time, actually, right after Talley. Could've been up there with the best if he hadn't gotten dinged in Houston.

[GvilleBills]

I think, though, if you compare each era's Bills Defense against its contemporaries, this Defense really stands out. And there's not really a glaring weak link--like Jeff Wright--for example. Or Walt Corey.

Can you imagine Dareus instead of Jeff Wright or Schwartz instead of Corey in SB XXV?

OK. Getting angry. I need to stop thinking about this.

Well, there goes my day.
Rage it is...