FireChan Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Do we know where this team ranked in different categories through eight games last year? This would be very important to the conversation. In fact, without knowing it for sure, the conversation isn't really worth having. -Note that our bye week was week 9 last year. Week 8 2014 Even though they lost their defensive coordinator this offseason, the Bills defense has not lost a step. They're in or around the top 10 in most key defensive categories http://www.nfl.com/fantasyfootball/story/0ap3000000414360/article/week-8-waiver-wire-streaming-defenses-to-target Buffalo leads the league with 24 sacks and ranked 4th in run defense. http://fantasyteamadvice.com/week-8-defense-special-teams-rankings-2014-fantasy-football/ Buffalo’s D has also avoided costly big plays, ranking fourth in yards allowed per play (5.1). http://www.rantsports.com/nfl/2014/10/21/power-ranking-top-10-nfl-defenses-heading-into-week-8/ Week 7 2014 The Bills, very quietly, are 5th in the NFL in total fantasy points for dsts. Aside from this weeks disaster against the Patriots, the Bills D has been stellar. They have the number 1 run defense in the NFL and are in the top ten for average points per game. They are also second in the league with 19 sacks. http://fantasyteamadvice.com/week-7-defense-special-teams-rankings-2014-fantasy-football/ Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Cat Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 It's worth noting that the 2014 TO number is significantly skewed by the 6 takeaways in NYJ1. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireChan Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Well, why wonder about anything? This is the Internet, after all. So better in every category last year? Sounds about right. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Cat Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 So better in every category last year? Sounds about right. I don't think a single person has argued that the defense in 2015 is as good or better than 2014. The degree to which they are "worse," however, is highly debatable. A nuance (to borrow your own term) you conveniently ignored. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireChan Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 I don't think a single person has argued that the defense in 2015 is as good or better than 2014. The degree to which they are "worse," however, is highly debatable. A nuance (to borrow your own term) you conveniently ignored. Where did I ignore it? Have I ever ignored how much worse it is? Show me BC. You're the king of not making things up, remember? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Cat Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Where did I ignore it? Have I ever ignored how much worse it is? Show me BC. You're the king of not making things up, remember? I guess you were accidentally obtuse, then. Good opportunity to learn about perception. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireChan Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 I guess you were accidentally obtuse, then. Good opportunity to learn about perception. Shooooooooooow meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Cat Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Shooooooooooow meeeeeeeeeeeeeeee. The only takeaway you offered was "better." You're not as dense as you pretend to be sometimes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireChan Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 The only takeaway you offered was "better." You're not as dense as you pretend to be sometimes. Oh, so I didnt specify how much better, as if that matters when claiming that it was better? If your body temperature 101 or 104, does that change the fact that you have a fever? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDH Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 I don't think a single person has argued that the defense in 2015 is as good or better than 2014. The degree to which they are "worse," however, is highly debatable. A nuance (to borrow your own term) you conveniently ignored. Many of those numbers are significant differences. The PPG and TOPG in particular. You might not think 3 PPG is significant, but in a league where most games are decided by a FG or less that is often times the difference. And there is no more significant stat than turnovers, and they avaeraged twice as many last year which had a lot to do with the pass rush and the disruption it caused. I find it funny that you think those numbers support your point. You just made the case for everybody who was saying there were fairly significant differences. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Boatdrinks Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 As do I. However, the refs didn't mess up the ensuing plays that resulted in a TD. You do realize that one play from one game is not indicative of the entire defense? Of course, it's just an example. There are too many on this board making sweeping generalizations to verify their theory, wrap it with a bow and conclude with the folly that a new coach/ system will be immediately brought in. I'm just judging the D from what I see and logic. It's understandable that there will be some snags when installing a new system. I'm just seeing guys taking themselves out of a play by being too aggressive , and using poor technique frequently. I'm not going to assume that they must have been given too much " ground to cover" or other nonsense as no scheme would defeat itself. The more likely thing is that for various reasons ( poor technique / execution , confusion , not maintaining ones responsibility. Just your question about one play shows an amazing need to over simply . It's likely not that simple, but caused by multiple factors on different plays in various games. This defense has been successful with ( supposedly) less talented players. So I won't assume it's a lack of talent and say our guys can't possibly execute this defense well. I think they can improve and get this thing down just by doing their own job and playing with better technique. Everyone acts as though they know exactly what each guy is being asked to do, and they really don't . Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MDH Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 (edited) It's worth noting that the 2014 TO number is significantly skewed by the 6 takeaways in NYJ1. You're taking a sample size of 8 games. Any really bad or really good game is going to scew all of those stats. Edited November 12, 2015 by MDH Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Cat Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 You're taking a sample size of 8 games. Any really bad or really good game is going to scew all of those stats. I fully understand. But, Jesus. Six? That was a freaky game, to say the least. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BackInDaDay Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Interesting! @Andy_Benoit #Dolphins #Bills Film: Hughes sack-fumble was outstanding spin move from wide-9 vs. RT Fox, who did not touch him. right on.. Bills were in a dime package - 2-3-6 - IK Dareus Bradham Mario Hughes in front 5, and Hughes move was slick Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
FireChan Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 (edited) Of course, it's just an example. There are too many on this board making sweeping generalizations to verify their theory, wrap it with a bow and conclude with the folly that a new coach/ system will be immediately brought in. I'm just judging the D from what I see and logic. It's understandable that there will be some snags when installing a new system. I'm just seeing guys taking themselves out of a play by being too aggressive , and using poor technique frequently. I'm not going to assume that they must have been given too much " ground to cover" or other nonsense as no scheme would defeat itself. The more likely thing is that for various reasons ( poor technique / execution , confusion , not maintaining ones responsibility. Just your question about one play shows an amazing need to over simply . It's likely not that simple, but caused by multiple factors on different plays in various games. This defense has been successful with ( supposedly) less talented players. So I won't assume it's a lack of talent and say our guys can't possibly execute this defense well. I think they can improve and get this thing down just by doing their own job and playing with better technique. Everyone acts as though they know exactly what each guy is being asked to do, and they really don't . I think we'll have our "proof" when we draft and sign FAs. It will be telling, IMO. Also, I trust bandit's, Badol's and K-9's football knowledge over just about anyone's. A ounce of their speculation is worth more than a pound of someone else's. Edited November 12, 2015 by FireChan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly the Dog Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 Well, why wonder about anything? This is the Internet, after all. I would have thought there was a big here difference to be honest. The eye test says there is. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 I dont know about anyone else but I have been (rather impatiently) waiting for the bills to "get it" on defense Sooooo much talent Perhaps tonight is the night? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
The Big Cat Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 I would have thought there was a big here difference to be honest. The eye test says there is. Well, according to some, the chasm is an abyss. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BackInDaDay Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 @LRiddickESPN Simple, straight-forward 4 man rush/man coverage schemes used by #Bills defense last wk vs Miami. Rex letting his players play. Smart move. although the Bills were rushing 4, it was a controlled rush from big splits. i didn't re-watch the entire 2nd half, but i didn't see one line stunt in the first. the pass would have been out before they exchanged lanes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Kelly the Dog Posted November 12, 2015 Share Posted November 12, 2015 They also weren't facing a team with the caliber of offense as the Bengals. Or the Giants for that matter. The team that had a good QB, the Chargers, carved them up pretty good. In the Lions game, Calvin Johnson and Reggie Bush both hurt their ankles early and didn't play. The Jets scored 23 but we abused them in offense so that was an easy game. The Fitz led Texans sucked. The Bears were awful last year. The Vikes hadn't got going and didn't have Peterson. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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