Bills vs. Titans Game Features Two Rookie-Laden Defenses

by Brian Galliford on Dec 2, 2011 2:40 PM EST in Buffalo Bills News

When the Buffalo Bills take on the Tennessee Titans this Sunday, the game will feature two defenses that will be starting a combined seven rookies defensively.

Much has been made in recent weeks about Bills rookies getting a shot at playing time on defense. Marcell Dareus (first round) has been a starter on the defensive line all season, but he's recently been joined by inside linebacker Kelvin Sheppard (third round), cornerback Aaron Williams (second round) and strong safety Da'Norris Searcy (fourth round).

Tennessee has had two rookie starters all season, as linebacker Akeem Ayers (second round) has started every game, while defensive tackle Jurrell Casey (third round) has started all but one. Middle linebacker Colin McCarthy (fourth round) has impressed in spot duty, and will start Sunday as an injury fill-in for veteran Barrett Ruud.

Both defenses are similar in that they struggle to generate a pass rush and aren't flashy. The big difference, however, is very important: Jerry Gray's defense gives up 19.3 points per game - the seventh-lowest total in the league, while the Bills give up the fifth-highest per-game point total at 25.5.

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2 teams with no pass rush

Maybe this will be a fun, high scoring game then!

Is this your homework, Larry?

by Schooled You on Dec 2, 2011 3:17 PM EST reply actions

What Could Have Been

Since we are going up against Akeem Ayers this week, let’s take a quick look at the performance of the OLB’s the Bills could have taken in the 2011 draft:

Ayers, who went shortly after Aaron Williams, has started all 11 games so far with 49 tackles, 2 sacks and 2 passes defensed (PD’s). Not bad.

Brooks Reid, who went later in Round Two, has 6 starts, 31 tackles, 6 sacks, and 2 PD’s. He has been a real beast in terms of putting pressure on opposing QB’s.

Sam Acho, who the Bills had available to them in Round 4 (in place of Searcy), has 11 starts, 26 tackles (22 unassisted), 5 sacks, 3 forced fumbles, and 1 PD.

Those who say we absolutely needed to take Aaron Williams when we did should at least agree with me that passing up Acho was a huge mistake — although if I had been the GM I would have traded down and taken Brook Reid, who looks like he is going to be one of the dominant pass rushers in the NFL for years to come, while gaining another third round pick (which could have been used on a DB). In any event, I am posting this to explain why I voted “disapprove” in the Buddy Nix poll today.

by Macktruck on Dec 2, 2011 3:21 PM EST reply actions

We made the right pick in williams but we should of picked sam acho.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Dec 2, 2011 4:06 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

no one hits it right all of the time

20/20 hindsight…

by Bill Frank on Dec 2, 2011 4:44 PM EST up reply actions

I am a longhorn fan rooted for us to pick him. Still believe we should no hindsight in that.

"This is a chance to shine some light on the city, They say it’s too cold. I’m going to bring some warmth to it." Marcell Dareus

by matthew62 on Dec 2, 2011 4:55 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Brooks Reid

I really liked Reid coming out of UA. He reminded me of Kevin Green. Like Green he appeared a bit stiff and not quite athletic enough to play as well as he did during his senior year of college. The truth is he plays with suddenness and power. He is one of those guys that plays faster and quicker than he times in shorts and a t shirt. I really wanted Reid in Rd 2.

Echo is a surprise to me. I did not think he would show much in the NFL.

by WhatGoesAround on Dec 2, 2011 4:56 PM EST via mobile up reply actions

Brilliant 20/20 hindsight analysis

How many of you have even heard of Reid, let alone Acho, ahead of the draft?

by paythemannow on Dec 2, 2011 6:34 PM EST up reply actions

For the record, I was calling for the Bills to draft an OLB and spoke of Ayers and Reid as two likely targets.

by Macktruck on Dec 2, 2011 10:19 PM EST up reply actions 1 recs

rec'd.

Mack, nice synopsis above. And, for the record, there were several who knew of Ayers and Reid. It’s not hindsight and no need to justify your post.
The Nix picks(largely unproductive to date) vs. those available who are already productive starters, is a reason, I too, voted disapprove. It becomes even more apparent when you consider the state of this team to begin with. As I said in the Nix approval poll, if there was a team where a draftee should/could step in and start, it is the Bills. Yet, these picks (prior to being pressed into service) are on the sideline “maturing”, “learning”, “developing” …every other verb but producing.
It raises the questions, “Do we repeatedly misjudge talent?” and/or “Are other programs/coaches that much better at getting talent ready and on the field?”
It has to be one or the other and neither are good for the Bills.

"Hallelujah, Noel, be it heaven or hell, the Christmas we get, we deserve"- Greg Lake

by fansince60 on Dec 3, 2011 7:53 AM EST up reply actions

I got tossed

I got tossed from this site for a day for complaining about the Aaron Williams selection. I said at the time that the Bills needed help elsewhere first. The Bill’s weren’t even sure if he had the speed to play corner or they could switch him to safety down the road. I thought they needed help rushing the passer more, but ………….

by Coach Bob on Dec 3, 2011 2:07 PM EST up reply actions