Suspended Marcell Dareus Will Enter a Rehab Facility
By Ryan Brennan
The Bills announced on Saturday that suspended Marcell Dareus will enter a rehab facility in wake of his four-game suspension to start the season.
Last offseason, Marcell Dareus was suspended for Rex Ryan’s debut with the Buffalo Bills after he violated the league’s substance abuse policy. He was also picked up for reckless driving in the same month, adding to the off-season issues for the star defensive tackle.
When he returned in Week 2 and played the rest of the season (15 games), he didn’t seem the same. He only recorded a total of 51 tackles (38 solo) and 2.0 sacks all season long. We definitely expected more from him coming off a 10.0-sack season in the year before.
About a week ago, we all heard the news that he had violated the substance abuse policy for the second straight year and will face a four-game suspension that was handed down by the NFL. It added to the long list of defensive issues that have hit the team since the start of training camp. Now without another star on defense, the Bills needed help.
The Bills’ front office didn’t hesitate to voice their disappointment in the nose tackle. They released a statement that featured:
"“From ownership down we have made it clear his behavior is unacceptable. We will continue to take the necessary steps to work with him in order that he adheres to the policies set forth by our league. As an organization, we will move forward with our preparations for the start of the 2016 NFL season.”"
On Saturday, Marcell Dareus and the Bills came to the realization that Buffalo wasn’t the only one in need of help. In a statement issued by the team, Dareus explained his decision to enter a rehab facility:
"“After careful consideration of recent events within my life, I have made the decision to enter a rehabilitation facility.” I feel this is the best decision for me, my family and my teammates as I move forward with my career. I appreciate the support of my teammates and the Bills organization through this process.”"
Coming off a new, hefty contract that was given to him last year (7-year, $103 million), it’s good to see the young star taking responsibility and taking the necessary actions to win back everyone’s hearts. It’s clear that words aren’t going to cut it anymore — with the fans and the organization — and we hope this marks the end of these unnecessary suspensions — for the whole team.
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Here are some reactions from his teammates after the announcement was made:
Rex Ryan: “As a football team, we came together as a family. We support Marcell 100 percent. Our thoughts are with him. No question about it. And it’s more important than four games or whatever it is.”
Ronald Darby: “Only thing we could do was stay positive. He is a great player you need him a lot, but he is going to be back and he is going to be ready.”
Jerry Hughes: “(I’m) just really happy to see that he’s taking the steps to kind of make sure that he’s OK. We want to make sure he’s OK. We want to make sure he’s fine as far as health-wise and he’s doing those steps, so I’m very happy for him.”
Eric Wood: “He is such a great kid. I mean, man, one of my favorite people to be around in the entire world. But obviously he felt the need to get some help, and you got to respect that.”
Next Man Up:
Even without Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams on the defensive line Saturday vs. the Giants, the Bills’ defense was still dominant in every aspect of the game. Two interceptions combined with a very stingy run-defense capped a terrific performance by the defense.
It was nice to see that we could possibly have some good depth behind our starters. So far, Jerel Worthy and Corbin Bryant have been standing out as replacements at nose tackle. We will be without Dareus for a quarter of the season, so we are going to need someone who is consistent. A lot of that will come down to who can finish the preseason better.
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Worthy had two tackles for a loss vs. the Giants.
Both players are pretty much a lock for the roster and it’s possible we see them share the load in Dareus’ absence. They both look strong and could help keep both of them fresh throughout the game.
What do you think of Dareus’ decision to enter a rehab facility? Leave your comments below!
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