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Bills Getting Defensive Leading Up to Browns Battle

It's been interesting to see the type of coverage that the Bills are getting leading up to the big game this weekend. Where, folks, is the talk about the offense? I'm of the mind - and we'll discuss this over the next couple of days - that the Bills don't necessarily need a top-notch defensive performance to win this game. Call me crazy; it's just what I believe. Nonetheless, Cleveland's offense poses huge threats, and the Bills - despite their recent success - have a big job in stopping that offense.

Angelo Crowell, for one, believes that this Bills defense isn't getting enough respect:

"It's no different than any other week," Crowell said. "We've been trying to make a statement around here every week. No one respects us, so we're just back to work.

"They have a lot of talent, they're a very good offense, but it's a challenge every week in this league."

Well, what's true is that the Bills have only had one stellar defensive performance against a superior opponent; I speak, of course, of their six-turnover performance against the Dallas Cowboys in October. This week is Crowell's chance, and the defense's chance, to earn a little of that respect. I still maintain, however, that they won't need to - again, we'll talk about that in the coming days.

After playing without him for two weeks, the Bills are preparing for the return of Chris Kelsay. Dick Jauron used the "optimistic" line again in saying that Kelsay would likely play this weekend; his return should help Buffalo continue their pass rush resurgence of the past few weeks...

... unless, of course, you refer to Kelsay as the $24 million letdown:

Oddly, Buffalo's 'D' has improved over the past two weeks sans high-paid end Chris Kelsay, who is expected to return against the Browns. Considering how well reserves Ryan Denney and Anthony Hargrove have played in Kelsay's stead, the Bills' coaching staff might want to consider continuing to go with what has been effective recently and leave their $24 million letdown on the bench.

I usually like Connor Byrne's stuff, but this is a bit much. Sure, Kelsay may be overpaid; that much I can't deny. But to say that the Bills have gotten sack happy (something we discussed earlier this week) because Kelsay's been out is a bit of an oversight. I chalk those 8 sacks in two games up to playing a banged up Redskins squad and the Miami Dolphins. Kelsay is one of our best defenders - he plays the run better than any other defensive end on the roster, he's a great leader, and he's a playmaker (he's recorded a fumble recovery, two sacks, an interception, a safety and a defensive touchdown this season). He's not worth $24 million, but the defense doesn't come close to suffering when he's in there. "Letdown" is a bit strong as well.

Contrary to previous reports, Bills S George Wilson may be available for the playoffs if the Bills are so lucky to get there. My guess is that if the Bills are eliminated at any point prior to the end of the season, Wilson will be placed on IR and yet another defensive free agent signed in his stead. Hopefully (and I'm crossing my fingers and toes here) we'll see #37 back on the field in 2007. Or, rather, the early portions of 2008.

There is one offensive note this evening, and it's an uplifting one: Kevin Everett is coming to Buffalo for the Bills/Giants game in a little over a week; we may be lucky enough to see the hero of 2007 walk onto the field. If not, it will, at a minimum, be an incredible moment to see Kevin in that stadium. This news actually made it difficult for me to think about the Browns game; it's going to be loud and emotional for what will hopefully be another big game next weekend.

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Don't get no respect
One reason the Bills defense doesn't get enough respect - the Patriots. The Bills are only team to play the Pats twice, and have the stats to show for it.

Think that's just an exaggeration? Check this out:
The Bills D has given up 9 passing TDs in 11 games to quarterbacks not named Brady. They've given up 9 passing TDs to Brady.
Overall, 18 TDs and 22 FGs were allowed by the defense in the 11 other games; 12 TDs and 1 FG were allowed in the two Pats games. That means they can stop most teams from scoring a touchdown 55% of the time, but only 8% of the time when it's the Patriots.
That 55% figure is extremely good; the best team in the league is the Ravens at 52%. (oddly, the Patriots are third-worst - giving up 25 TDs and 11 FGs.)

By the way - 9 TDs allowed to one quarterback in a season isn't a record high; Marino threw 10 against the Jets in 86. Ouch! I can't find if anyone has thrown for more than that, but Brady could pass that if he throws for five against Miami next week.

by Krenn on Dec 14, 2007 11:12 AM EST reply actions   0 recs

One more thing
Defense is always judged by how many yards you give up, But that doesn't mean a whole lot. What really matters is POINT ALLOWED. The Bills are giving 22.4 points a game, which is good for 16th in the NFL. They're right behind the Cowboys who give up 21.2 a game. Certainly one would like those numbers smaller but to say the Bills D is the 30th ranked just because they give up a lot of yards is dumb. Sure they give up the yards but they keep you out of the end zone and thats what matters.
who would have thought I'd miss Pete Metzelaars?

by sireric on Dec 14, 2007 11:32 AM EST up reply actions   0 recs

Exactly
The Bills and Browns are in the bottom of the rankings on defense EXCEPT for points allowed where the Browns are dead last.  The Browns may have better numbers on offense but they have not dominated other teams on defense as far as I can tell.  The way teh national media is talking about this game, you'd think the Bills were going against the Pats.  If we're going to talk stats, Browns rank near Cincy on offense - big deal.  Sorry - game ain't gonna be lopsided at all.   Absolutely the Bills can win; Jauron will have this team ready.  I hope to see some big D from the Bills: can't wait to see this game.

by Zumone on Dec 14, 2007 12:36 PM EST up reply actions   0 recs

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