Today BillsZone.com continues the review of the 2004 Buffalo Bills season with a look at the defense. Another 24 hours and what do you know? The daylight happened this morning (this is Buffalo, the sun doesn’t shine much in winter), my kids were still healthy and work beckoned. Having put Sunday’s events away let’s continue our review of the 2004 Buffalo Bills football season. Today the focus is on a defense that many consider one of the best in the NFL. Are they really? Going into the 2003 season defensive guru Dick LeBeau was brought in to help tutor Defensive Coordinator Jerry Gray. Many, myself include, worried that there would be a slip in the play of the defensive side.

Happiness can be felt in that the defense continued to make great strides this year. Overall, the unit got better in takeaways, sacks and points against. However, this unit is a microcosm of what is wrong with the Bills. Even though the unit ended up ranked number two in the league in total defense (as measured by yardage against) there are still vital improvements that need to be made. Too often the defense gave up conversions on vital 3rd downs. While strong against the weaker sisters on the schedule the defense could not come up big against New England or Pittsburgh. Given the success the defense did have it is hard to be hyper-critical of the unit. That being said the defense was called upon twice this year to hold leads late in games (Jacksonville and New York) and failed. The offense needed to score more points in those games but the team was in a position to win and the defense did not come through in the crunch. Finally, the unit failed against a Steelers team that had nothing to play for and was unable to stop a running game consisting of a 3rd and 4th unit running back and some reserve offensive linemen.

Defensive Ends – For most of the season the Buffalo Bills only had three ends on the active roster. Ironically, they are all second round draft picks that lack a little in the size and speed department. Aaron Schobel, resigned to a long-term contract just before the season, continues to get better at the Right Defensive End but he is no Bruce Smith. His play and style are much better suited to that of being the next Phil Hansen on the left side. Which bring us to the weakest part of the defense. The LDE position has had troubles since Hansen retired and the combination of Ryan Denney and Chris Kelsay are hardly making fans forget the former beloved Bill from North Dakota. Denney may never be more than a suitable backup and even though Kelsay has shown flashes they have not been regular enough to ease fears of the fans. Pass rushing is also a weakness. Schobel, like Smith before him, is capable of yearly double digit sacks; however, Smith was always able to come up with the big sack at critical times. This unit does not do that consistently enough. Linebacker Jeff Posey has been ineffective as a pass rushing specialist. General Manager Tom Donahoe needs to make DE a priority during the off-season.

Defensive Tackles – Without the mountains that are Pat Williams and Sam Adams the Bills defense would not operate. After being benched for the second half of the Miami Dolphins game, Adams played his best football in two years. Williams is an unrestricted free agent and wants to stay in Buffalo. Ron Edwards, Justin Bannan and newcomer Tim Anderson are back-ups that appear to be dependable but not spectacular. As a whole, this unit is solid and signing Williams should be a priority for Donahoe in the off-season.

Line Backers – Possibly the most solid defensive subunit, the starting line backers are solid and continue to get better. MLB London Fletcher again led the team in tackles and provided leadership after overcoming some bad penalties to start the year. Takeo Spikes made the Pro Bowl and has developed into a warrior. Like the reserve DTs Jeff Posey is dependable but not spectacular. The problem with the unit is the lack of any real depth. The Bills have yet to get any production out of 2003 3rd Round draft choice Angelo Crowell. The best reserve LB is special-teamer Josh Stamer. Any serious injury to the starters and the defense could suffer.

Corner Backs – Does this subunit do the job?? Yes. Are they maddening?? Yes. Pro Bowl alternate Nate Clements displayed big play ability but sometimes forgets that the easy play is sometimes the best play. Simply knocking down a pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the first game of the season might have resulted in the Bills playing in the playoffs. All Pro players do not make those simple mistakes. Terrance McGee was pressed into service after an early season injury to free agent acquisition Troy Vincent and played well. McGee shows promise but needs to tighten up his coverage depth as he is susceptible to the quick out pass. His lack of size may also be a negative. Kevin Thomas and Jabari Greer provided depth but nothing spectacular. The real problem with this subunit may lie in the future. Clements is a free agent after the 2005 season and none of the corps is signed past the 2006 season. Donahoe has his work cut out for him getting three solid long-term cornerbacks without breaking the bank.

Safeties – Although there was some encouraging play from this subunit 2004 was far from what was expected. Strong Safety Lawyer Milloy’s broken arm (coupled with Vincent’s knee problem) weakened the defensive backfield as a whole but the group lacks talent. Milloy was solid after his return and Vincent was inserted into the line up at Free Safety when he was healthy. Although the starters look set, depth is a major concern, though. Coy Wire was a healthy scratch for the season finale and hasn’t seemed to be able to convert from college linebacker to pro safety but has a future as a special-teamer. Veterans Izell Reese and Pearson Prioleau found their roles on the team reduced and both will probably not be back for 2005. Rookie free agent Rashad Baker showed promise in limited playing time.

Tomorrow: Special teams and the off-season.

The Zone's Look at the Offense