A Look At Jerry Hughes

Sep 8, 2013; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills outside linebacker Jerry Hughes (55) hits New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) as he passes during the second half at Ralph Wilson Stadium. Patriots beat the Bills 23-21. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Hoffman-USA TODAY Sports

Before this past season the Bills did something that doesn’t really happen much in the NFL. They made a trade and when I saw it I didn’t really know what to think. Looking at who was on the move it just seemed like a deal that was a change of scenery for two guys not really performing for their current clubs. Jerry Hughes was on his way to the Bills while Kelvin Sheppard was to join the Colts. People say usually one team gets the better part of the deal and I think everything would agree that was the Bills this time.

Ever since Jerry arrived with this organization he has been class act and also a hard worker. His job was simple as he basically was told you go get the quarterback. It didn’t take long for Hughes to get the message because he seemed to be all over the field this season. Achieving his first 10 sack season with the Bills was good to see as this staff definitely seen something in him and was able to get it out of him. His constant pressure of the quarterback and play also came with some flaws in his game that he will look to fix before next season starts.

I think two things that were a problem with his game was his off side penalties and his coverage ability. The penalties I think are self-explanatory but when it comes to the coverage I hope Pettine (defensive coordinator) can work with him. There were multiple occasions when I thought Jerry looked lost and just got flat out burned by whoever he covered that play. I know people will say he’s a specialist but to be a complete player he will for sure need to work on this part of his game. He absolutely will be one guy to keep an eye on next season to see how he progresses with this club.

On the other hand Sheppard played in 15 games for Indy: started seven, recorded 46 tackles and one sack. I don’t know about you but I’ll take this trade every time. Two things are for sure I hope Hughes just continues to get better and if the Bills want to make another trade I hope they can nail it like this one. What were your thoughts on Jerry’s season? A system guy?

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