Aug 16, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Jerry Hughes (55) hits Minnesota Vikings quarterback Matt Cassel (16) during the first half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Bills beat the Vikings 20-16. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports
If the Bills want to have a successful season and a shot at the playoffs their defense will need to be a top 10 one in my opinion. The news that every Bills fan never wanted to hear pretty much cemented my thought that the defense will need to have a great season. The injury to Manuel although said to be minor has to do with the knee and I will not believe that’s the case until I see him back out on the field. As we all wait for that to happen Kolb will be the guy and that definitely doesn’t sound good when you take a look at what he did in his first preseason game.
Now on the other hand this defense thus far has shown some great strides and has caused problems for opposing offenses. The play of the line has shown a great change in my opinion when you look at what they can do when their given the green light. Experience is a word people like to hear when talking about important positions such as linebacker. Blitz’s, drop back in coverage and filling those gaps are things that must be seen and called out but the guy the Bills now have and have no worries about is Kiko Alonso. Since being drafted this year he has done nothing but coming in and play very well. Quietly he began to take first team reps and from there on out he hasn’t left that role. Guys that will be with him and has me feeling ok are: Nigel Bradham, Manny Lawson, Bryan Scott, Jerry Hughes, Arthur Moats and when the Bills are lined up in those different formations you could toss in Mario Williams and Jamie Blatnick as well. The exotic looks they give are sure to get quarterbacks thinking twice as Christian Ponder talked about after Friday night’s game.
The part of this defense that really has me scared is the Bills secondary and being able to contain big time throwing offenses. Outside of Stephon Gilmore there have been questions about the opposite side corner position and also with the safety play. Aaron Williams has been playing the safety position after switching from the corner position he played last year. He seems to be alright so far but there is going to be growing pains and we’ll just hope that they don’t come in certain situations during a game were we can’t do anything about it. Leodis seems to have the upper hand on the 2nd corner position even though his play has been limited. Also with Byrd still a no show Searcy will accompany Williams at the safety spot.
So as we wait to hear more on Manuel I think this defense will have to really step it up. They have played well so far in preseason and I really want to see how this team will play in the regular season. Will the line and linebackers help disrupt plays and not leave the secondary so vulnerable? Will the Bills get Byrd back and more interestingly would they suspend him for his actions? I would. Let’s see what happens if we continue this play into the season. I can see the Bills right around the 10 spot in 2013.