The heart of the defense
The Buffalo Bills weak spot is the defensive line. It also has the most questions. I can say from my own playing experience that without a shadow of a doubt the defensive line is the most important part of the defense.
The Bills defensive line was one of the worst lines against the run. It was ultimately the reason the reason why the Bills did not make the playoffs last year. However, there is hope for this unit still.
This unit has a lot of promise. With two second year men on the line playing important roles. John Mckargo and Kyle Williams were drafted last year in the first and fifth rounds respectively. Both men showed enough to defensive line coach Bill Kohler to get into the defensive tackle rotation.
John Mckargo is the big question. With him suffering the broken ankle last year his progress was stunted like JP Losman. With him being a first round pick, the first defensive tackle taken in the first round that I can recall, there are high hopes for this young man.
Kyle Williams was a pleasant surprise last year. Right from the start of training camp Williams showed that he fit right in with the Bills. Head coach Dick Juaron said that he was surprised that his level of effectiveness did not drop off from college to the pro’s. Most rookies are not effective in their first year.
The defensive ends this year have been given a higher level of play to reach. Last year with Aaron Schobels career high sack total, and Chris Kelsay’s huge contract the defensive end level of play has grew exponentially. The fact is that both men are expected to be dominating forces this coming years thanks in part to their coach.
The key man behind the development of this unit is Bill Kohler. In only his first year he improved the effectiveness of both ends. Many people will be watching with a close eye to how this unit develops this year.
However, with that all said the interesting part to me will be on the coaching side. With this being the second year of the defense of Perry Fewell what is to come for them. What will the install.
First, I hope I see a lot of twist stunts between two defensive line men and a defensive lineman and a linebacker. this can easily mess up the head of offensive lineman. Will they use some zone blitzes. Both Kelsay and Schobel before last year were used in this type of scheme a lot. However, it seems the coaches are of the opinion to have the defensive line consistently penetrate the offensive line.
Well people in all the season as a whole rests in the fate of the development of the defensive line. If the improve the Bills could make the playoffs. If not well then it is back to the toilet bowl once again.