I don't understand the wholesale changes on defense. The Bills defense seemed to be coming together late in the year and looked to have the makings of very good young unit. I don't understand bringing in a new system when you're so close with a young group. I thought the Davis, Troup and Carrington moves were pretty good, but I don't see difference makers in that group. Is it worth the risk of a potentially great player like Pozluzny or Byrd not fitting the system?
The Bills sucked big-time against the run and had a very poor pass rush...for years. We felt bigger guys on the line instead of faster, smaller guys was in order, especially in Buffalo's weather. We also picked up Dwan Edwards from Baltimore to play DE along with Stroud, who is good and healthy again. Kyle Williams is a good player, and he'll be playing NT when Troup isn't.
Our linebacker core has potential in the 3-4. We are moving our #11 overall pick from last year, Aaron Maybin to OLB, where he was MUCH better suited to play in the first place rather than DE. Kawika Mitchell and Andra Davis have experience in the 3-4...I wouldn't worry too much about Poz making the adjustment. We have a lot of guys moving from DE to LB, including Aaron Schobel, if he doesn't retire.
Don't think the change will affect our secondary, which is very good, including great depth. It can only help them, since they relatively weren't getting very much help from the front seven before the switch anyway. I heard we'll being playing more man-to-man this year too, which is a good move IMO.
Anyway, we'll show different looks in different situations, including playing the 4-3 at times.
I like the change.
Buffalo could have built offensively in this draft, while adding a piece or two to bolster an emerging defense. Now they essentially start over, installing a new system with rookies and questionable veteran fits while giving a potentially elite 3-RB attack no blocking and no running game.
First off, it's Buffalo's plan to rebuild mainly through the draft and pick up role players in free agency. It's a process, and there is only so much you can do in one year. Everything they do is deliberate, and, if you follow the team, you get the sense that they have a long-term plan and are sticking to it. They're in it for the long haul.
You can argue that picking CJ Spiller helps this offense quite a bit. He can make plays on his own, can line up in the slot or on the outside. He can do it all, or could in college. Anyway, our interior of the o-line is decent...it's the Tackles that are the issue. I guess the plan is for the coaches to evaluate the developmental guys in practice before thinking about making a serious move to trade for a LT: Gaither from the Ravens or Brown from the Saints are still both possibilities.
Also, we have some pretty good prospects at WR that haven't seen much playing time that could end up panning out. You gotta develop these guys with real-game experience, not slap another T.O. in there, which gets you nowhere. At least we'll see what we have.
Believe me, the playcalling will be better under Gailey, and he is an offensive guy, so he'll find ways to be creative with what he's got and play to the strengths of the players.
On the bright side. The 2011 draft appears to be rich in top tier QB talent. Buffalo will probably take a safety.
Jauron would take a safety. Gailey and Nix won't. Let's hope there isn't a lockout in 2011. You make a good point, though. There were slim-pickings at QB this year, and I guess Buffalo didn't like a guy like Jimmy Clausen enough to invest a chunk of their future in him. Pick the wrong QB that high, and it sets you back for years.
The Bills had twenty-something guys on injured reserve by the end of the season last year. We were the most hurt team by far. We were a mess in a lot of ways. Bringing in a new Strength and Conditioning program will help a lot.
