Bills S Byrd making case for Defensive ROY honors

by Brian Galliford on Dec 14, 2009 8:45 AM EST in Buffalo Bills News

The Buffalo Bills needed a playmaker. Well, to be fair, they needed more than one playmaker back in late April during the NFL Draft, but for a franchise in the midst of a decade's worth of bad luck, one playmaker is what they got. Buffalo got said playmaker with pick No. 42 overall, when, much to the chagrin of its fan base, the team selected Oregon DB Jairus Byrd.

All these months later, Byrd - who intercepted his ninth pass of the season in the Bills' 16-10 road victory in Kansas City - re-established himself as the NFL's interception leader. His nine picks set a Bills franchise record for most interceptions by rookie in a season. Much more importantly, his presence has helped spark a stagnant playmaking Bills defensive unit, transforming it from one of the league's worst units into the NFL's best play-making secondary.

In 2008, Bills defenders intercepted just 10 passes. Only four teams intercepted fewer passes on the season. A year later, with Byrd at the forefront of the effort, Buffalo has more than doubled its interception output, as the Bills currently lead the NFL with 25 interceptions. Byrd is responsible for 36% of that production.

No, Byrd is not a complete prospect. He's got a lot of growing up to do, particularly when considering that he's still making the transition from college corner to NFL free safety. But few defensive rookies have done as much as he has, stat-wise or for his team, than Byrd has in 2009. In fact, we can only think of three rookie defenders who deserve mention in the same breath as Byrd.

In our view, there are four players with legitimate cases for being the 2009 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year. Those players are, in order of where they were drafted:

Brian Orakpo, DE/OLB, Washington Redskins (Round 1, No. 13 overall)
I, myself, have heard rumors that Redskins defensive coordinator Greg Blache was not overly thrilled with Washington's selection of Orakpo with the 13th overall pick. I sincerely doubt he feels that way now. In a very stellar rookie season in which he's played multiple positions, Orakpo has tallied 11 sacks and 46 tackles for a very underrated Redskins defense that ranks seventh overall in the league. Orakpo broke out in a Week 14 win over Oakland in which he had six tackles and a whopping four sacks in a 34-13 road win. Orakpo is tied for the team lead in sacks with veteran Andre Carter.

Brian Cushing, OLB, Houston Texans (Round 1, No. 15 overall)
Perhaps the most well-rounded defensive rookie in the league, Cushing has thrived despite the Texans' recent struggles. He's put up 112 tackles, 2.5 sacks, 3 interceptions and 2 forced fumbles while starting every game for the Texans this season. Houston's playoff hopes faded quickly after losing four straight, but they still have one of the league's best rookies on its roster.

Clay Matthews III, OLB, Green Bay Packers (Round 1, No. 26 overall)
He's flown under the radar all season, but Matthews - chosen No. 26 overall, 11 spots after his former USC teammate Cushing - has really come on of late. Playing a rush linebacker position in Dom Capers' 3-4 defense, Matthews has put up 40 tackles, 8 sacks and a fumble return for a touchdown on a resurgent Packers defense that has spearheaded its 9-4 record to date. Matthews has half of his sacks in his team's last three games, all victories, as Green Bay makes a serious playoff push. He leads the Packers in sacks, with Cullen Jenkins (4.5) a not-so-close second.

Jairus Byrd, FS, Buffalo Bills (Round 2, No. 42 overall)
Byrd has 45 tackles, 9 interceptions and 11 defended passes despite only being a part-time starter at the free safety position and dealing with a groin injury since training camp. He's also been at the forefront of a complete turnaround defensively for the Bills in the "big play department," as the Bills as a team have increased their interception output from 10 in 2008 to 25 thus far this season.

Tweet Comment 59 comments | 0 recs |

Do you like this story?

Comments

Still can’t believe the Bills passed on Cushing

by Michael_Necci on Dec 14, 2009 8:49 AM EST reply actions

I feel this way about Orakpo. He was pro-ready, from a physical standpoint.

Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 14, 2009 12:08 PM EST up reply actions

I think right now Cushing swtill has it

buuuut one more for Byrd and it would be hard to pass him up.

"Hold ya chin up...nuh nuh nuh...gone" -Marshawn Lynch-

by billsoferie on Dec 14, 2009 9:05 AM EST reply actions

I think Byrd should definitely win, but he’s going to have trouble…

11+ sacks for Orakpo as a rookie is pretty unbelievable too. We as bills fans understand that, considering the DE we took right near Orakpo in the first round doesn’t have one.

Also, Cushing has major name recognition coming out of USC, and people have been watching him all year. Lets be honest, awards in football at all levels (Heisman, ROY, MVP) are more popularity contests than they are anything else.

by quantumuprising on Dec 14, 2009 9:22 AM EST reply actions

Maybin only has 3 more tackles than Orakpo has sacks.

Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 14, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

special teams most of em

Later Losman!

by rockybillboa on Dec 14, 2009 12:45 PM EST up reply actions

probably has the same number of celebrations though….

by quantumuprising on Dec 14, 2009 12:47 PM EST up reply actions

I’m with you on the celebration thing, but I think we need to get over it. I’d probably celebrate if I was a RB and got up after a huge hit.

Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 14, 2009 12:50 PM EST up reply actions

yeah, but maybin celebrates on plays he didn’t make…

by quantumuprising on Dec 14, 2009 12:53 PM EST up reply actions

Damn him. Damn him for getting excited during a football game. WHY CAN’T HE BE MORE LIKE DICK, AHHHHHHHH

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Dec 14, 2009 1:31 PM EST up reply actions

if that’s really what you thought i meant, then i don’t even know what to say

by quantumuprising on Dec 14, 2009 1:41 PM EST up reply actions

’twas a joke, friend. ’twas a joke.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Dec 14, 2009 1:52 PM EST up reply actions

just making sure. i have no problem with celebration or emotion. But when you spend more time celebrating other people’s plays than you do making plays (or when you spend more time getting your hair cut) then maybe he needs to work a little harder.

by quantumuprising on Dec 14, 2009 2:00 PM EST up reply actions

maybe we need to just let him develop into a football player

there’s not reason he needs to act like a monk until then. I haven’t heard anyone say he isn’t working to improve. Even if that was the case, I don’t think they have anything to do with each other. It’s not like he’s using energy that he could use for practice by celebrating.

Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!

by JPH on Dec 15, 2009 12:58 AM EST up reply actions

im just saying, even if you haven’t, act like you’ve been there before. that goes a long way towards showing maturity.

by quantumuprising on Dec 15, 2009 9:33 AM EST up reply actions

i see your point.

you want him to act like a gentleman. I agree.

But when you spend more time celebrating other people’s plays than you do making plays (or when you spend more time getting your hair cut) then maybe he needs to work a little harder.

That was the part I took issue with.

Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!

by JPH on Dec 15, 2009 11:32 PM EST up reply actions

I was going to add Louis Delmas to that list but....

with a defence that is giving up over thirty points per game and the worst pass defence in the history of the NFL it would be difficult to justify that Delmas has contributed that much to the team.
I think he will be a very good safety, and he has played well at times and made some great plays but when compared to Byrd’s production…..well done Buffalo.

Looks like a three man race. As noted above, Cushing probably has the edge right now for a variety of reasons.

by NorthLeft12 on Dec 14, 2009 9:27 AM EST reply actions

I cannot believe Bills passed on Orakpo and Cushing!!!!!

This could have turned out to be one of the best Bills drafts in years, with Byrd, Nelson, Wood, Levitre. Obviously, the drawback was our first selection, who held out, and so far has not made any contribution – Aaron Maybin. The Bills said the needed to improve their pass rush this year, so cannot sit here and argue about Maybin being a project. And to add salt to the wound, Orakpo has 11 sacks on the season – As a Rookie!, while Cushing looks like a future Pro Bowler. Time for Modrak and Guy to take a hike into infamy!

by BuffaloWhiner on Dec 14, 2009 9:35 AM EST reply actions 1 recs

There it is. Shocked it took 50 minutes.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Dec 14, 2009 9:36 AM EST up reply actions

It’s not where you pick, it’s WHO is making the picks. Anyone who can sit here and defend the two headed monster that is John Guy/Tom Modrak needs a kick to the groin. Their draft record speaks for itself this decade.

by Michael_Necci on Dec 14, 2009 10:26 AM EST up reply actions

How many times do we need to say “Modrak has never had final say in his entire stay in Buffalo” before it finally sinks in?

Blame the decision-makers, not the scouts. Modrak has never been a decision-maker in Buffalo.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Dec 14, 2009 10:47 AM EST up reply actions

You yourself have stated that Maybin was a Modrak guy from the get-go, right? I’m not trying to say anything by that. After all, nobody had to listen to Modrak because he didn’t have final say. Maybe Modrak is right that Maybin will have the brighter future, but if Modrak sold Maybin as being better from the start, that’s worth knowing, isn’t it?

Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.

by WhyBillsWhy on Dec 14, 2009 11:27 AM EST up reply actions

I have stated that, and Modrak has yet to be proven wrong. 13 games does not a career make.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Dec 14, 2009 11:48 AM EST up reply actions

If not Modrak then who? If the Levy installed front office is consensus driven, then Modrak should have a seat at the grown-ups table. Given Brandon’s depth of knowledge about personnel matters, Modrak’s opinion should hold even more weight. Sure, he may not have GM-style final say-so, but to imply he’s not a decision maker when it comes to the draft, understates his influence with the current regime.

Since I’m not privy to the inner workings of the Bills executive function I could be off-base, but for now I’m going to hold him at least as accountable as Jauron and Guy.

The 2009 Bills draft class may wind-up being one of the best in quite a while…with much credit going to Modrak. That will be solidified if Maybin lives up to the potential the Bills saw in him. And although I didn’t like the Bills investing in a project at this juncture, I wholehearted agree with you Brian that it’s way too early to give up on the young man.

doesn’t

"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban

by NJBill on Dec 14, 2009 12:30 PM EST up reply actions

He’s not a final decision maker. He never has been. That needs to be kept in mind.

I’m not saying he should stay. I’m just saying that it’s not 100% mandatory that he get fired.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Dec 14, 2009 12:37 PM EST up reply actions

I’m not sure who is the final decision maker…Ralph?…Brandon?…the ghost of Marv past? I hope the upcoming changes include a decision maker that has some experience evaluating NFL personnel.

I’m with you on Modrak; I’m not 100% sure he needs to be fired, because it’s hard to gauge his real contribution to bringing in the right young talent. like Mamma Gump said: "Rookies are like a box of chocolates, you don’t know what you’re going to get. You can’t say the same with veterans, hence Guy must go.

"They're Killin' Me Whitey. They're Killin' Me" -- Lou Saban

by NJBill on Dec 14, 2009 1:44 PM EST up reply actions

I’m pretty sure the final decision maker is always Ralph but on smaller scale stuff it was Jauron.

"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.

by MattRichWarren on Dec 14, 2009 1:46 PM EST up reply actions

Like I said, not implying anything by saying Maybin was Modrak’s choice other than that Modrak should be get credit whichever way Maybin’s career goes.

Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.

by WhyBillsWhy on Dec 14, 2009 1:03 PM EST up reply actions

Maybin does have 2 forced fumbles. That’s hardly nothing.

Twitter: helping to make anti-social people anti-socially social.

by TheAfghanTwilight on Dec 14, 2009 12:11 PM EST up reply actions

You cannot believe the bills took the consensus highest upside pass rusher when they haven't had a stud pass rusher since the mid 90's?

really?

Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!

by JPH on Dec 15, 2009 1:09 AM EST up reply actions

I for one was totally confused when Byrd was drafted at #42. Definitely a pleasant surprise to this lost season. I hope he can bring home the hardware. Stiff competition though, Byrd has this team leading the NFL in INT’s.

Jauron should of never of made it out of that Cleveland game. Modrak and Guy are both Donahoe people and need to be removed by securit promptly on January 4th. I am just not ready for a complete makeover again, for the 5th time.

by Jfizzy27 on Dec 14, 2009 9:38 AM EST reply actions

Oh look at all those Pac-10 players on this list..........

Im in shock!

You know there is a problem with the education system when you realize that out of the 3 R's only one begins with an R. - Dennis Miller

by norcaliangelsfan on Dec 14, 2009 10:35 AM EST reply actions

touche.

by nickfeely8 on Dec 14, 2009 12:26 PM EST up reply actions

I have to say I think Cushing is leading right now. Though my first thought after reading this, is look at all those players I thought the Bill were going to draft…

I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City

by Ghetts on Dec 14, 2009 10:50 AM EST reply actions

cushing is in front, by far! and well deserved. sees the field like an 8 year veteran and gets real gritty, i forget, was he considered the workout warrior or was that matthews? i think cushing was seen as the best in front of maualuga and matthews, but all three of those lbs have done good jobs. shame we missed em’ but we could play what if all day… byrd is the werd

Later Losman!

by rockybillboa on Dec 14, 2009 12:49 PM EST up reply actions

I’m still surprised at the number of picks the team has, considering how bad the run D has been. If that could stop a back or three and force them to throw, you’d think there’d be even more opportunities.

by TheK-GunNeedsReloaded on Dec 14, 2009 11:05 AM EST via mobile reply actions

Had to change the picture. You’re welcome, everybody.

Buffalo Rumblings. On Twitter.
"You miss 100% of the shots you don't take. --Wayne Grezky" --Michael Scott

by Brian Galliford on Dec 14, 2009 11:09 AM EST reply actions

LOL yeah........

I think a caption contest is in order……

Florence: “It’s about time they made a Jarius Byrd SNUGGIE!”

You know there is a problem with the education system when you realize that out of the 3 R's only one begins with an R. - Dennis Miller

by norcaliangelsfan on Dec 14, 2009 11:15 AM EST up reply actions

“Hey Jairus, Why don’t we switch? I don’t like being the big spoon all the time.”

by nickfeely8 on Dec 14, 2009 12:27 PM EST up reply actions

Just further proving that backside penetration is the key to interceptions.

by quantumuprising on Dec 14, 2009 12:54 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

BWAHAHAHAHAHAAH

Yeah, I just stare at my desk, but it looks like I'm working. I do that for probably another hour after lunch too, I'd say in a given week I probably only do about fifteen minutes of real, actual, work. - Peter Gibbons

by norcaliangelsfan on Dec 14, 2009 1:45 PM EST up reply actions

haha good stuff.

"I don't know how to explain it but we seem to find eachother on the ice and make things happen... Yeah. Pass, shoot, score... Yeah. Pass.. Shoot.. And score."

by bflo on Dec 15, 2009 11:44 AM EST up reply actions

That is just the most hilarious photo ever

I was born in Buffalo, and NO, it's not a suburb of New York City

by Ghetts on Dec 14, 2009 11:19 AM EST reply actions

Byrd now on Pro-Bowl Ballot

according to Chris Brown over at BBMB… Gotta get out and get some votes in with time so short…

by Cinga on Dec 14, 2009 1:02 PM EST reply actions

Byrd has to be higher than Matthews

Byrd has 45 tackles in less games than Matthews who has 40. Although, the 8 sacks is nothing to sneeze at.

For all the Maybin haters, you can chew out every single team for their draft choices. Every team had the opportunity to draft at least two of the four on the list and they failed to do so.

by Ono on Dec 14, 2009 1:35 PM EST reply actions

Scheme.......people.........

Scheme has just as much to do with some of the success of these guys as their playmaking ability……..

Everyone in the NFL is here because they have the talent……….but in the wrong scheme even the greatest of potential can be subdued……..

by norcaliangelsfan on Dec 14, 2009 1:49 PM EST up reply actions

Plus

orakpo has to be benefitting tremendously from having big al on the line with him.

Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones

by silverstreak3k on Dec 14, 2009 2:24 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Byrd def deserves some

recognition for his play. 9 ints is amazing great and better than 11 sacks in my opinion. Sacks stall a drive, ints end them. Cushing has played well, but he plays in a position where his 100+ tackles should be expected almost. Ellison was on a 110+ tackle season before injury too. And he’s not considered that good. The two ff and ints are nice but not enough for me to think it’s better than Byrd. Anyone know the record for most ints by a rookie in the NFL/AFC ( each one preferrably)?

Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones

by silverstreak3k on Dec 14, 2009 2:22 PM EST via mobile reply actions

Night Train Lane had 14 in 1952. Dan Sandifer had 13 in 1948. Woodley Lewis and
Paul Krause each had 12 back in the same era.

Past that I can’t tell you. All those guys were NFC players (NFL players in those days) so if he gets 11 he’ll at least share the AFC mark and set the mark for “since the merger”.

"Play like hell and win." - Perry Fewell
Your daily source for Buffalo Bills information.

by MattRichWarren on Dec 14, 2009 2:47 PM EST up reply actions

DAwgnamit.......

As Bobby Bowden would say, then get rid of the decision makers – whoever they are…..Cannot get rid of Ralph, it’s his team even though he may not know that at times; Jauron – Okay, gone!
Bill Polian made all the draft decisions when he was G.M., then what is Modrak’s role – Does he sell popcorn in the stands?
I know that I continuously harp on this, but it’s hard when you witnessed a genius in action like Bill Polian in the 1980’s-90’s.

by BuffaloWhiner on Dec 14, 2009 3:22 PM EST reply actions

Bad Draft?????

2 starting O lineman (studs)
1 starting FS leading the NFL in Int’s
1 TE (when Healthy) very athletic and productive, bit of a project but plenty of upside
1 Nickle cornerback
1 Reserve LB (good special team player)
and….
1 young DE who is struggling in his rookie year.
I think that most teams would be fairly happy with a draft like that.

by Honestabe75 on Dec 14, 2009 4:08 PM EST reply actions

Just to keep you as honest as your name implies, the O-linemen are POTENTIAL studs. The struggling DE is our highest pick in the draft. Our “nickel” cornerback is more like 6th on the depth chart. And the “good special teams player” has made some plays but has had a nearly equal number of penalties.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m a fan of this draft, but it’s a whole lot of potential right now.

Official ledge-talker-offer of the Buffalo Bills.

by WhyBillsWhy on Dec 14, 2009 4:53 PM EST up reply actions

I think the point is that 1 young DE who is struggling was the Bills chance to really make a huge difference on their team (at draft spot # 11).

2010 Bills' truth in advertising: "Look out Cleveland, this year we score 6!" - bluecollarbuffalo

by thefourwinds on Dec 14, 2009 10:26 PM EST up reply actions

how can Bills fans even justify saying guys like Cushing and Orakpo deserve it more than Byrd

They have had incredible rookie years for sure but I think you guys dont really get just how rare it is or how hard for one player to tally double digit interceptions. Double digit sacks happen all the time. Double digit picks? Thats a much tougher feat.

"you just have to know there's always going to be adversity. None of these games are going to be easy. Nothing will be given to us" - Paul Posluszny

by poz on Dec 14, 2009 5:04 PM EST reply actions

ignorance is bliss in bills nation. it’s an amazing accomplishment, and great news for bills fans. cushing is dominant, not spontaneous. plays almost all defensive snaps. fit in from day 1 and has excelled since. it’s cushing by miles. byrd is the word in b-l0.

Later Losman!

by rockybillboa on Dec 14, 2009 5:49 PM EST up reply actions

Agree 110%

Buffalo, that's where it's at baby. - Adam 'Pacman' Jones

by silverstreak3k on Dec 14, 2009 9:22 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

that's true poz

but Orakpo and Cushing have been really really really good for the whole season. Byrd has played 6 games where he’s made a big impact, and 7 where he’s made none. I think in the grand scheme of things, you’re right that the interceptions are much more impressive, but in terms of adding value to their team, I think Cushing especially, and Orakpo also, have Byrd beat.

Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!

by JPH on Dec 15, 2009 1:12 AM EST up reply actions

Byrd hasn’t even played in that many games. He has really only played half the season…so I’ll take 9 INT’s on a partial season.

"Security comes from earning it--not seeking it." Marv Levy

by howedyhowe on Dec 15, 2009 5:08 AM EST up reply actions

he's played in every game.

But his playing time has been limited. Again this makes my point. It’s a more impressive feat, sure. But I’ll take a guy like Cushing or Orakpo as being the Rookie who was most valuable to his team for their day in day out contributions.

Jonathan Stupar won the Heisman…while playing in the NFL!

by JPH on Dec 15, 2009 11:30 PM EST up reply actions