A.J. Klein: "This Defense Will Be More Aggressive" | One Bills Live | Buffalo Bills

[Punching Bag]

 

 

Milano demonstrates leadership by action and AJ by being a leader in knowledge. Bills did not want to lose him but had salary cap issues. Now that Edmunds is not on defense it will not be designed around physical attributes (wing span) other LBs can not match. I can see AJ starting season as QB of the defense and I think a player who can communicate well and explain to rest of player what needs to be done will help defense.

 

[Einstein]

Well it couldn't possibly be less aggressive lol. 

[Patrick Duffy]

30 minutes ago, Einstein said:

Well it couldn't possibly be less aggressive lol. 

 

I wouldn't think with McD now running the whole show.

[Dr. Who]

45 minutes ago, Limeaid said:

 

 

Milano demonstrates leadership by action and AJ by being a leader in knowledge. Bills did not want to lose him but had salary cap issues. Now that Edmunds is not on defense it will not be designed around physical attributes (wing span) other LBs can not match. I can see AJ starting season as QB of the defense and I think a player who can communicate well and explain to rest of player what needs to be done will help defense.

 

Klein sounds like he would make a great coach down the line if he decides he wants to do that.

[BuffaloBillyG]

I'm really looking forward to seeing this defense ran by McD. A healthy Hyde and Poyer. White bouncing back a bit. The return of Von. Year 2 of the young CBs. And new look ways to get pressure on the QB...this defense has potential to be really solid.

[Ethan in Cleveland]

Let's assume it is more aggressive which I doubt. 

Why the wait? Why would the HC allow the DC to run a less passive scheme than what the HC wants?

 

Again, I want McD calling the plays so there is no doubt who is in charge of the defense. If he truly is more aggressive then great. 

 

Keep in mind arguably the greatest play in Bills history was a pick six by Taron Johnson paying zone coverage in the red zone with a four man rush. 

 

[Coach Tuesday]

22 minutes ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

Let's assume it is more aggressive which I doubt. 

Why the wait? Why would the HC allow the DC to run a less passive scheme than what the HC wants?

 

Again, I want McD calling the plays so there is no doubt who is in charge of the defense. If he truly is more aggressive then great. 

 

Keep in mind arguably the greatest play in Bills history was a pick six by Taron Johnson paying zone coverage in the red zone with a four man rush. 

 

Because more aggressive = more mistakes.  

[JohnBonhamRocks]

1 hour ago, Einstein said:

Well it couldn't possibly be less aggressive lol. 

From 12 yard to 8 yard cushions? Gasp!

 

 

[Solomon Grundy]

45 minutes ago, BuffaloBillyG said:

I'm really looking forward to seeing this defense ran by McD. A healthy Hyde and Poyer. White bouncing back a bit. The return of Von. Year 2 of the young CBs. And new look ways to get pressure on the QB...this defense has potential to be really solid.

McD. should've taken the reins years ago!! 

15 minutes ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Because more aggressive = more mistakes.  

No riskit, no biskit!!! 

[LABILLBACKER]

50 minutes ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

Let's assume it is more aggressive which I doubt. 

Why the wait? Why would the HC allow the DC to run a less passive scheme than what the HC wants?

 

Again, I want McD calling the plays so there is no doubt who is in charge of the defense. If he truly is more aggressive then great. 

 

Keep in mind arguably the greatest play in Bills history was a pick six by Taron Johnson paying zone coverage in the red zone with a four man rush. 

 

And why did he allow Frazier to run it for the last 3 years while KC & Cincy dismantled us in the playoffs. In theory McD should be more aggressive and willing to call more press coverage opportunities. But assuming it happens and actually seeing it are 2 different things.  Sean has no one left to take the fall (Farwell, Frazier).

[wppete]

Time to grow a pair and get aggressive and nasty. Happy Frazier is gone, good guy but too passive…. Let’s hope McDermott unleashes this Defense. 

[Punching Bag]

1 hour ago, Dr. Who said:

Klein sounds like he would make a great coach down the line if he decides he wants to do that.

 

His fellow players call him "coach Klein" including Micah Hyde.

[boyst]

Klein is the man 

[Franco_92]

53 minutes ago, JohnBonhamRocks said:

From 12 yard to 8 yard cushions? Gasp!

 

 

This is honestly such bad football talk 

 

hurr durrr, da bills isnt aggressive enough!! They, er, don't blitz enough, and they use soft zone coverage! Ha! 

Do you have any data that shows the Bills are "soft" more than other teams? Do you have data that shows teams use press coverage in more situations, resulting in better outcomes, than the Bills D? Because statistically, the Bills D gets better outcomes than the vast majority of the league. Statistically, more 'aggressive' defense against the top flight QBs brings WORSE results for that defense. This is why teams never play man against Josh, or Mahomes. It's why they never blitzed Brady or Manning. This is a huge reason why our screen game is bad - all eyes in the backfield, rare blitzing (which screens can torch). The QBs you want to pound into submission have mastered avoiding that and destroying defenses that try it, and the WRs you want to mangle at the line with press man coverage would burn our DBs so quick (because you can't have Allen, and Diggs, and Miller, and Milano, and Sauce, and Ramsey etc.) that you and he would again be the first person in the thread bitching about the coaching and how terrible the Bills are. How many times did the Bills blitz Mike White? they change their formula based on their opponent, and their reasoning is on a level so far beyond the fans that throw tomatoes it's embarrassing

 

I'd love Einstein or you to teach me something about these defensive splits for the Bills and the league, but it's all vague complaining and screenshots of the same play against cinci which was by definition the most aggressive defensive call in the book (and backfired). It's not the critique, it's that it's dumb critique for the sake of critiquing 

 

 

[Einstein]

2 hours ago, Ethan in Cleveland said:

Let's assume it is more aggressive which I doubt. 

Why the wait? Why would the HC allow the DC to run a less passive scheme than what the HC wants?

 

Again, I want McD calling the plays so there is no doubt who is in charge of the defense. If he truly is more aggressive then great. 

 

Keep in mind arguably the greatest play in Bills history was a pick six by Taron Johnson paying zone coverage in the red zone with a four man rush. 

 

 

Because McDermott’s seat is getting warmer (even if people don’t want to believe it).

[newcam2012]

2 hours ago, Coach Tuesday said:

Because more aggressive = more mistakes.  

You think Miami and Cinci defenses in last year's playoff games were aggressive or passive? 

[HurlyBurly51]

2 hours ago, Dr. Who said:

Klein sounds like he would make a great coach down the line if he decides he wants to do that.

 

1 hour ago, Limeaid said:

 

His fellow players call him "coach Klein" including Micah Hyde.

I remember when Eddie Robinson was our coach on the field, and Chad Pennington dunked on him with the ‘ol dead leg😂 

[BigAl2526]

I think that while McDermott and Frazier start with the same basic defensive scheme, they have never been in philosophical lockstep with each other.  Since McDermott hired him to coordinate the defense, and Frazier is certainly competent in doing that job, McDermott trusted him and allowed him to run the defense in the way that he (Frazier) wanted to run it.   I would be shocked if the defense wasn't more aggressive.

[JohnBonhamRocks]

1 hour ago, arcane said:

This is honestly such bad football talk 

 

hurr durrr, da bills isnt aggressive enough!! They, er, don't blitz enough, and they use soft zone coverage! Ha! 

Do you have any data that shows the Bills are "soft" more than other teams? Do you have data that shows teams use press coverage in more situations, resulting in better outcomes, than the Bills D? Because statistically, the Bills D gets better outcomes than the vast majority of the league. Statistically, more 'aggressive' defense against the top flight QBs brings WORSE results for that defense. This is why teams never play man against Josh, or Mahomes. It's why they never blitzed Brady or Manning. This is a huge reason why our screen game is bad - all eyes in the backfield, rare blitzing (which screens can torch). The QBs you want to pound into submission have mastered avoiding that and destroying defenses that try it, and the WRs you want to mangle at the line with press man coverage would burn our DBs so quick (because you can't have Allen, and Diggs, and Miller, and Milano, and Sauce, and Ramsey etc.) that you and he would again be the first person in the thread bitching about the coaching and how terrible the Bills are. How many times did the Bills blitz Mike White? they change their formula based on their opponent, and their reasoning is on a level so far beyond the fans that throw tomatoes it's embarrassing

 

I'd love Einstein or you to teach me something about these defensive splits for the Bills and the league, but it's all vague complaining and screenshots of the same play against cinci which was by definition the most aggressive defensive call in the book (and backfired). It's not the critique, it's that it's dumb critique for the sake of critiquing 

 

 

I was making a joke. But I do actually believe the defense will be more aggressive under McDermott than under Frazier, and that my expected increase in aggression is a needed development for the defense and the team.
 

Regardless, I have presented as many statistics as you - zero - regarding the Bills defense and aggression. Repeating agreed upon truths - like top QBs beat the blitz - isn’t really making a point. And I have no clue what you’re saying about people complaining - is it don’t try to challenge top QBs? Someone should have told that to the Jets, Dolphins, and Bengals last year.
 

But yeah, the defense has been good in the season and then too soft and frankly lost in the clutch games and playoffs. So, their overall stats look good, but personally I want to get to and win a Super Bowl which is usually done by teams with aggressive defenses that can disrupt and dictate what those top QBs and offenses do. It’s not just blitzing more, but includes jamming WRs at the line, stacking boxes, and generally abandoning the bend-but-don’t-break mindset. 
 

 

9 minutes ago, HurlyBurly51 said:

 

I remember when Eddie Robinson was our coach on the field, and Chad Pennington dunked on him with the ‘ol dead leg😂 

Maybe the single worst look by a Bill on a given play I ever watched live. Making Chad look like he had any sort of moves is just… no. Haha

Edited May 31, 2023 by JohnBonhamRocks

[NewEra]

2 hours ago, LABILLBACKER said:

And why did he allow Frazier to run it for the last 3 years while KC & Cincy dismantled us in the playoffs. In theory McD should be more aggressive and willing to call more press coverage opportunities. But assuming it happens and actually seeing it are 2 different things.  Sean has no one left to take the fall (Farwell, Frazier).

It’s going to happen.  For sure.  
 

He has Dorsey to take the next fall

[HurlyBurly51]

18 minutes ago, JohnBonhamRocks said:

Maybe the single worst look by a Bill on a given play I ever watched live. Making Chad look like he had any sort of moves is just… no. Haha

Yep.  The only other contender I can think of is Josh Norman getting tossed like a rag doll by Derrick Henry.  Truly embarrassing not only for him, but for Bills fans forced to watch that replay ad infinitum with their non-Bills fan friends😅  At least Henry is a beast, Chad....nah!

[JohnBonhamRocks]

2 minutes ago, HurlyBurly51 said:

Yep.  The only other contender I can think of is Josh Norman getting tossed like a rag doll by Derrick Henry.  Truly embarrassing not only for him, but for Bills fans forced to watch that replay ad infinitum with their non-Bills fan friends😅  At least Henry is a beast, Chad....nah!

Plus Pennington’s play was I believe a game-winning TD while Henry’s play didn’t count IIRC. 

[HappyDays]

2 hours ago, arcane said:

the WRs you want to mangle at the line with press man coverage would burn our DBs so quick

 

I watched the Chiefs rookie CBs press the Bengals WRs in the AFCCG. It kept the WRs occupied long enough for the Chiefs pass rush to take advantage of the Bengals banged up OL. You don't think our more experienced CBs and the press man CB that we drafted in the 1st round could have handled that responsibility?

[Richard Noggin]

2 hours ago, LABILLBACKER said:

Sean has no one left to take the fall (Farwell, Frazier).

 

Ken Dorsey never gets the recognition he deserves smh

[PrimeTime101]

59 minutes ago, newcam2012 said:

You think Miami and Cinci defenses in last year's playoff games were aggressive or passive? 

I will take this one on. I spend time on different teams popular podcasts "know thy enemy". I show my respect on these pods and over the years they have given me mods on these pods.. So just from them talking, I have a stronger idea on how their teams a run.

 

Just to start out, some on these boards feel this team has not been aggressive. Defense that seems to Blitz are teams that struggle on the defensive line a ton. Buffalo was per pff (https://www.pff.com/news/team-blitzing) the 4th most Blitzing team in the NFL. I think 4th most Blitzing team in the NFL... That number may shock some of you. But to be honest. Blitz is not the only thing that makes a team aggressive. It is how you go about doing it. 

 

That being said let's talk Miami. Miami was the 6th leading Blitzer last year... but it was how they did it. Many times, when Miami Blitz, they love to play bump and run. this is VERY aggressive because if that blitz is picked up, but even more was how they Blitzed. Miami loved Delayed Bitz, going around or inside Chubb or Phillips. and when they did that, they ran a tight (within 15 yard) zone forcing you to sit in the pocket a little longer to find that open man. 

 

Cinci is different. way different. Ranked 26th in the league in blitzing. They love to bump and run all day long and get physical at the line of scrimmage on most downs. 

They also loved being sneaky with their safety's, spying on QB's and at times... played lots of 3 safety packages that just made it difficult to pass in. In that way of play? Very aggressive. 

 

In short, I feel Buffalo was trying to be aggressive last year, but how they were going about it was all wrong. On top of all that? The massive DB Injuries destroyed what this team liked to run. We have a physical at line of scrimmage guy named Elam. We need to use and abuse that ability more often. Our problem is.. Tre White is not that aggressive type of player at the line. For this team to be aggressive, we need to scheme better. We need to do more of what the 49'ers do. Same play a mix of zone and man. It is not our play calling that lacks aggression, it is our scheme. 

 

IF it is the same scheme then we will still have that team that destroys teams that do not have a top 5 QB, and struggle with the rest. 

[gonzo1105]

2 hours ago, Limeaid said:

 

His fellow players call him "coach Klein" including Micah Hyde.

Could simply be a play off the Waterboys Coach Klein 

[DJB]

55 minutes ago, NewEra said:

It’s going to happen.  For sure.  
 

He has Dorsey to take the next fall

Dorsey is a 100% taking the fall if we falter 

[The Wiz]

24 minutes ago, DJB said:

Dorsey is a 100% taking the fall if we falter 

But what if the defense is good and the offense is still looking like the second half of the season last year?

 

Is that not a valid reason  If he's the HC and DC and is giving Dorsey weapons and protection in the off season and letting him run his offense then what's the complaint.  Giving Dorsey too much control?

Edited May 31, 2023 by The Wiz

[Big Blitz]

It always has made sense to be aggressive af during the Allen era.  
 

Give up a big play - who cares.   Gets us the ball back quicker.  Gets our D off the field.  
 

No long drives bc we were good with bending that only may tire us out at the end of games.  
 

You can play like that situationally like when you can’t give up a big play late in games or when we go up 2 scores early in the 4th and don’t want to give up a big play too allow them to get back in it.  
 

 

Aggressive early.  Safe when necessary.  Being aggressive all the time is as dumb as being safe all the time.  

[Mr. Wonderful]

Still having nightmares of Burrow carving up the Bills defense.  Safeties are aging, MLB gone, mediocre D-Line,  and White and Miller huge question marks entering 2023.  With Dabol gone and D in transition, Cinncy and Miami legit threats, feel Super Bowl window has closed.

[newcam2012]

39 minutes ago, PrimeTime101 said:

I will take this one on. I spend time on different teams popular podcasts "know thy enemy". I show my respect on these pods and over the years they have given me mods on these pods.. So just from them talking, I have a stronger idea on how their teams a run.

 

Just to start out, some on these boards feel this team has not been aggressive. Defense that seems to Blitz are teams that struggle on the defensive line a ton. Buffalo was per pff (https://www.pff.com/news/team-blitzing) the 4th most Blitzing team in the NFL. I think 4th most Blitzing team in the NFL... That number may shock some of you. But to be honest. Blitz is not the only thing that makes a team aggressive. It is how you go about doing it. 

 

That being said let's talk Miami. Miami was the 6th leading Blitzer last year... but it was how they did it. Many times, when Miami Blitz, they love to play bump and run. this is VERY aggressive because if that blitz is picked up, but even more was how they Blitzed. Miami loved Delayed Bitz, going around or inside Chubb or Phillips. and when they did that, they ran a tight (within 15 yard) zone forcing you to sit in the pocket a little longer to find that open man. 

 

Cinci is different. way different. Ranked 26th in the league in blitzing. They love to bump and run all day long and get physical at the line of scrimmage on most downs. 

They also loved being sneaky with their safety's, spying on QB's and at times... played lots of 3 safety packages that just made it difficult to pass in. In that way of play? Very aggressive. 

 

In short, I feel Buffalo was trying to be aggressive last year, but how they were going about it was all wrong. On top of all that? The massive DB Injuries destroyed what this team liked to run. We have a physical at line of scrimmage guy named Elam. We need to use and abuse that ability more often. Our problem is.. Tre White is not that aggressive type of player at the line. For this team to be aggressive, we need to scheme better. We need to do more of what the 49'ers do. Same play a mix of zone and man. It is not our play calling that lacks aggression, it is our scheme. 

 

IF it is the same scheme then we will still have that team that destroys teams that do not have a top 5 QB, and struggle with the rest. 

Fantastic post! Great insight and breakdown. 

 

Agree the coaching schemes have been problematic. Seems to work well in the regular season but not so much come playoff time. 

 

I really wanted Fangio to get hired by the Bills. I think he will instantly make the Dolphin defense much better. 

 

I really wanted Sean Payton hired as the head coach and take on OC duties. 

 

I just have a hard time thinking McD and Dorsey can get this team over the hump. We will find out soon. 

38 minutes ago, DJB said:

Dorsey is a 100% taking the fall if we falter 

No doubt. 

56 minutes ago, HappyDays said:

 

I watched the Chiefs rookie CBs press the Bengals WRs in the AFCCG. It kept the WRs occupied long enough for the Chiefs pass rush to take advantage of the Bengals banged up OL. You don't think our more experienced CBs and the press man CB that we drafted in the 1st round could have handled that responsibility?

Like another poster talked about its scheme related. The Bills coaching staff doesn't put the players in the best position to succeed. Fraizer and Dorsey were poster boys for this. 

[newcam2012]

5 minutes ago, Mr. Wonderful said:

Still having nightmares of Burrow carving up the Bills defense.  Safeties are aging, MLB gone, mediocre D-Line,  and White and Miller huge question marks entering 2023.  With Dabol gone and D in transition, Cinncy and Miami legit threats, feel Super Bowl window has closed.

I feel very similar. Imho, it's not closed but the missed opportunities are mounting. As each year passes with disappointment my confidence fades. 

[Mr. Wonderful]

1 hour ago, HurlyBurly51 said:

Yep.  The only other contender I can think of is Josh Norman getting tossed like a rag doll by Derrick Henry.  Truly embarrassing not only for him, but for Bills fans forced to watch that replay ad infinitum with their non-Bills fan friends😅  At least Henry is a beast, Chad....nah!

 

SMH......................

 

 

[HurlyBurly51]

3 minutes ago, Mr. Wonderful said:

 

SMH......................

 

 

 

[PrimeTime101]

14 minutes ago, newcam2012 said:

Fantastic post! Great insight and breakdown. 

 

Agree the coaching schemes have been problematic. Seems to work well in the regular season but not so much come playoff time. 

 

I really wanted Fangio to get hired by the Bills. I think he will instantly make the Dolphin defense much better. 

 

I really wanted Sean Payton hired as the head coach and take on OC duties. 

 

I just have a hard time thinking McD and Dorsey can get this team over the hump. We will find out soon. 

I think you have to look at this more cup half full. Our old DC and Current HC worked out a scheme that both agreed to. This is going to be a new defensive scheme especially with no Edmunds. Have some faith. Last year our defense was beat up.

 

On the offensive side of the ball and O line needed to be fixed and a good weapon added. I think we got both done. 

[Mr. Wonderful]

2 minutes ago, HurlyBurly51 said:

 

 

Laughed harder ar Pennington vs Robinson.  

[PrimeTime101]

7 minutes ago, Mr. Wonderful said:

 

SMH......................

 

 

I will up that one.

 

 

[newcam2012]

36 minutes ago, PrimeTime101 said:

I think you have to look at this more cup half full. Our old DC and Current HC worked out a scheme that both agreed to. This is going to be a new defensive scheme especially with no Edmunds. Have some faith. Last year our defense was beat up.

 

On the offensive side of the ball and O line needed to be fixed and a good weapon added. I think we got both done. 

That's fair. I hope you are correct. 

[Punching Bag]

53 minutes ago, PrimeTime101 said:

I think you have to look at this more cup half full. Our old DC and Current HC worked out a scheme that both agreed to. This is going to be a new defensive scheme especially with no Edmunds. Have some faith. Last year our defense was beat up.

 

Lorenzo Alexander was the puzzle piece defense was based on in 2017. 

🥳Happy 40th Birthday Zo! 🥳

He demonstrated his abilities in 2016 showing so many things he could do while getting pro bowl nomination.

 

In 2018 Edmunds was signed and defense was altered to have Edmunds take away larger area of field than normally done.

 

Bills defense are going to need to find a new base for their defense and it will be a different scheme than we used last 5 years.

[PrimeTime101]

26 minutes ago, Limeaid said:

 

Lorenzo Alexander was the puzzle piece defense was based on in 2017. 

🥳Happy 40th Birthday Zo! 🥳

He demonstrated his abilities in 2016 showing so many things he could do while getting pro bowl nomination.

 

In 2018 Edmunds was signed and defense was altered to have Edmunds take away larger area of field than normally done.

 

Bills defense are going to need to find a new base for their defense and it will be a different scheme than we used last 5 years.

This is what I have been trying to say, but some people lol