OldTimer1960 Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Harsh reality losing Ragland for an extended time after losing Shaquille Lawson for a significant time. Last year's defense was not good enough to make the playoffs- maybe was THE reason that they didn't reach the postseason. I think that the Bills' management tried to address that weakness in the draft with Lawson and Ragland, but those plans are now on hold (at least). There is no tangible reason to believe that last year's bad defense will be any better this year - and the offense shouldn't / can't be counted on to carry the load. I know that Mario Williams was blamed for a lot last year, but who will replace him? Who will fill in for Ragland and play at an NFL level? Who will fill in for Manny Lawson who was filling in for Shacquile Lawson? Not a pretty picture 1 week into training camp... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chilly Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 You can't think of one scenario where this year's defense is better than last years? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimer1960 Posted August 8, 2016 Author Share Posted August 8, 2016 You can't think of one scenario where this year's defense is better than last years? Hit me with your scenario. I am open to find a way to get there. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Buffaloed in Pa Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Duh Bills, I am used to it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rico Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Regardless of what his many detractors think, Rex will still field a competent D. Season still rides on TT... if he goes down, THEN you can kiss this year goodbye. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
OldTimer1960 Posted August 8, 2016 Author Share Posted August 8, 2016 This team was built to win with defense and, as currently staffed, I don't think the defense is up to the challenge. I'd be happy to be proven wrong, though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4merper4mer Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Regardless of what his many detractors think, Rex will still field a competent D. Season still rides on TT... if he goes down, THEN you can kiss this year goodbye. Rex hasn't fielded a competent D in 6 years. That includes a year in which he took the #1 sack team to #31. What on Earth makes you think he will do it now? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pine Barrens Mafia Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 You can't think of one scenario where this year's defense is better than last years? Nope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
hondo in seattle Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 (edited) I wasn't expecting Ragland to be a Pro Bowler in his rookie year so I'm not sure how much his knee sprain dampens my enthusiasm. The D will be better because (1) Rex learned lessons from last year, and (2) the defensive players are both more knowledgeable and committed this year. The O will be better because it's the second year in Roman's system and TT's second year as a starter. Edited August 8, 2016 by hondo in seattle Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rico Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Rex hasn't fielded a competent D in 6 years. That includes a year in which he took the #1 sack team to #31. What on Earth makes you think he will do it now? Maybe you are thinking dominant. I didn't say dominant, I said competent. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
White Linen Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Harsh reality losing Ragland for an extended time after losing Shaquille Lawson for a significant time. Last year's defense was not good enough to make the playoffs- maybe was THE reason that they didn't reach the postseason. I think that the Bills' management tried to address that weakness in the draft with Lawson and Ragland, but those plans are now on hold (at least). There is no tangible reason to believe that last year's bad defense will be any better this year - and the offense shouldn't / can't be counted on to carry the load. I know that Mario Williams was blamed for a lot last year, but who will replace him? Who will fill in for Ragland and play at an NFL level? Who will fill in for Manny Lawson who was filling in for Shacquile Lawson? Not a pretty picture 1 week into training camp... Sign Hardy - right now, and play a ton of 4-3 until the rooks get back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4merper4mer Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Maybe you are thinking dominant. I didn't say dominant, I said competent. As in ranked in the top 25? Jk but honestly he is good at press conferences and that is about it. Well he seems like a good dude too. Game management? Nope. Remembering to call players with debilitating diseases? Nope. Taking blame without throwing players under buses? Nope. 2017 will probably bring us a new coach and a high draft pick. I do feel bad for Whaley because he may end up going too. It's a tough business because he had to draft guys that would ostensibly help Rex's dumb scheme. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Fixxxer Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Hit me with your scenario. I am open to find a way to get there. better communication, Kyle and Aaron Williams are back. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
12Kachy Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 I think the defense will be better. Ryan tried to mix his defense with Schwartz's from the previous year and it didn't work. Most of the guys on the field will be in the system a second year and the other Ryan can teach them Rex's defense. R2 (Rob and Ryan) should have a productive defense this year regardless of Lawson and Ragland. Maybe the Bills take a flyer on Greg Hardy to cover for Lawson but who knows if he is worth the chance. Even though the injuries cannot be blamed on Whaley, both injuries to Lawson and Ragland will have people questioning his GM skills. Let's see who Whaley brings in to help get the Bills to the playoffs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John from Riverside Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 As in ranked in the top 25? Jk but honestly he is good at press conferences and that is about it. Well he seems like a good dude too. Game management? Nope. Remembering to call players with debilitating diseases? Nope. Taking blame without throwing players under buses? Nope. 2017 will probably bring us a new coach and a high draft pick. I do feel bad for Whaley because he may end up going too. It's a tough business because he had to draft guys that would ostensibly help Rex's dumb scheme. Unless you are cherry picking your defensive stats......the D that Rex fielded last year was NOT the norm for him Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BADOLBILZ Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Regardless of what his many detractors think, Rex will still field a competent D. Season still rides on TT... if he goes down, THEN you can kiss this year goodbye. We see this season the same way. People forget when Rex took over that NYJ defense he inherited a lot of players that seemed over-the-hill. Those were his most successful units as they took him to two AFC title games. He doesn't need a ton of talent in the front 7......just players that buy in and execute. They have a wealth of talent in the secondary, which is where he needs playmakers. One of the critical mistakes the Jets made was exhausting so many key draft resources on their DL when they had a DC/HC who could get similar production from journeymen. I'd like to see them get some more help at OLB but the reality is that this season is going to be about what TT and the offense can do. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
4merper4mer Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Unless you are cherry picking your defensive stats......the D that Rex fielded last year was NOT the norm for him 5 years in a row before he got here his defenses stunk. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KDIGGZ Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 Season still rides on TT... if he goes down, THEN you can kiss this year goodbye. Yea BUT all of these idiots keep telling me how Cardale can throw a football over them mountains and that's all it takes to be an NFL QB right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mr. WEO Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 I wasn't expecting Ragland to be a Pro Bowler in his rookie year so I'm not sure how much his knee sprain dampens my enthusiasm. The D will be better because (1) Rex learned lessons from last year, and (2) the defensive players are both more knowledgeable and committed this year. The O will be better because it's the second year in Roman's system and TT's second year as a starter. What are you basing this on? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
NickelCity Posted August 8, 2016 Share Posted August 8, 2016 I hate to admit my optimism is shot. Such a shame too with some of the talent we've got. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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