One of the Buffalo Bills' top priorities entering the 2011 off-season was to re-sign veteran cornerback Drayton Florence. They were able to accomplish that, inking him to a three-year, $15 million deal on July 27. After his latest big-play effort, it's now easier to understand why: Florence is Buffalo's best defensive playmaker.
Dating back to the 2010 season, Florence has now scored three defensive touchdowns in his last 10 games with the Bills. In Week 11 against Cincinnati last season, Florence scooped up a fumble and returned it for a score in a Bills win. The following week, he picked off a Minnesota pass and returned it for a score.
His biggest play as a Bill came on Sunday, when he tracked down a tipped Tom Brady pass and returned it for a critical touchdown in the Bills' 34-31 win over the New England Patriots. His score gave the Bills their first lead at 31-24.
In just over two seasons with the Bills, Florence has now intercepted six passes and broken up a further 30. Yes, there are flaws to his game, just as there is with any player. The Bills are lucky to have Florence around. Good defenses need playmakers.