How will the defense be different this year?

[oldmanfan]

With McD calling the D signals this coming season, what do you think will look different over Frazier calling the shots?  I think we’ll see our corners playing up on WRs more to keep them from getting into their routes.  And I think we’ll see a lot more stunts up front to free up the pass rush.

[drummernut74]

Creative and timely blitzing, more unpredictable, quicker adapting to what offenses are doing, more CB challenge at the line of scrimmage 

[Augie]

I’d like to start with being HEALTHY! Anything after that is gravy.

[Beast]

He said more aggressive so I would imagine more blitzing for one.

Edited June 4, 2023 by Beast

[Success]

I don't expect to see a "bend but don't break" philosophy.  I think we'll see more risks - willing to give up a big play to try to make more impact plays on the defensive side.  More press coverage, not laying 8-10 yards off the receiver at the line.  More aggressive blitzing.

 

And I think it will succeed.  Our '23 defense will get more sacks, more INT's, more fumbles, more TFL.

 

[Punching Bag]

I agree with Augie.  Last 2 years Bills have not been healthy.

 

Defense last 5 years were based up Edmunds covering a larger area than other LBs.

Without him as seen when Edmunds was out defense needed to be changed (Game where Klein got DPOW) or can be exploited.

Defense will need to depend less on DBs covering for LBs.

 

 

 

 

[JerseyBills]

I think an underrated move was the Rapp signing and he'll play in the big nickel. 

Watching that KC game yesterday and seeing Neal get abused in that role, Rapp should be a massive upgrade over him.

Tre looking like his all pro self

Elam progresses , though I thought he had a good rookie year, has potential to be elite

Ford is amazing depth 

 

Most importantly is staying healthy 

[Rigotz]

Beane and McDermott have come right out and said it. Edmunds was a good player, but he couldn’t change direction fast enough to keep up with slot WRs, so we’d get toasted by good offenses, while beating up on the predictable ones.

 

The new pieces:

- Terrel Bernard: while people don’t have high hopes for Bernard, he was a great disguised blitzer in college. The allows for more scheme multiplicity than the always 5 yards down the field Edmunds.

- Poona Ford: a legit run stuffer to pair with DaQuon Jones against power run offenses. These two together might be the most formidable run stuffing pairing since Sam Adams and Pat Williams.

- Dorian Williams: not sure what to expect, but I’m hoping he has better “read and react” skills than Edmunds.

 

Getting back fully healthy:

Tre White, Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, Von Miller (late season). Exciting.

 

A big step could transform the defense:

Kaiir Elam, Greg Rousseau, Christian Benford. Not expecting much from Epenesa and Basham, but who knows?

 

As the others posted noted, we’ll likely show more multiple looks and matchup looks and McDermott had a history of being very aggressive with his defenses in Carolina and Philly.

 

To answer your question, I’m expecting more, particularly against good offenses. Exciting to think about!

[BuffaloBillyG]

21 minutes ago, Success said:

I don't expect to see a "bend but don't break" philosophy.  I think we'll see more risks - willing to give up a big play to try to make more impact plays on the defensive side.  More press coverage, not laying 8-10 yards off the receiver at the line.  More aggressive blitzing.

 

And I think it will succeed.  Our '23 defense will get more sacks, more INT's, more fumbles, more TFL.

 

I believe it will be a blend of what you are thinking...but it will still be a bend but don't break. The difference will be that McDermott will be very timely and strategically pick his spots to roll the dice and play aggressive. Choose when to catch the offense off guard and force a pass out too fast, force a bad decision. But against the high powered offenses in the NFL these days and the rules being slanted heavily in the favor of the passing game bend but don't break is way you have to play. Can't turn every game into a track meet.

[L Ron Burgundy]

More aggressive I think.  Our approach from the past few years has been figured out.  Good offenses mostly light us up

Edited June 4, 2023 by L Ron Burgundy

[Radar]

We'll see. Not sure it's all coaching. I've thought for years we're a very good defense but overrated by many fans and even media..

[Bangarang]

Lots of double A gap blitzing I imagine. That was a big part of McD’s defense in Carolina 

[Billl]

Very similar to the last several seasons schematically.  Anyone who thinks Frazier was going rogue and doing things that McDermott was opposed to is delusional.

[JohnBonhamRocks]

9 minutes ago, Bangarang said:

Lots of double A gap blitzing I imagine. That was a big part of McD’s defense in Carolina 

I think Klein and Williams are well-suited for this.

[Big Turk]

Likely will be more aggressive as alluded to by AJ Klein and some others on D.

 

As Cosell notes in his article, McD was a former Jim Johnson protege and Johnson was known for being aggressive and blitzing...

 

https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2023/05/24/buffalo-bills-sean-mcdermott-von-miller-blitz/

Edited June 4, 2023 by Big Turk

[Behindenemylines]

1 hour ago, Success said:

I don't expect to see a "bend but don't break" philosophy.  I think we'll see more risks - willing to give up a big play to try to make more impact plays on the defensive side.  More press coverage, not laying 8-10 yards off the receiver at the line.  More aggressive blitzing.

 

And I think it will succeed.  Our '23 defense will get more sacks, more INT's, more fumbles, more TFL.

 

Amen!   I’ll give up the occasional big play anyday and have more sacks and disruption.  Plus the chances of the big play are so much less than the 6 yards per easy play and March down the field. 
 

New England had the league so worried about the huge okay they willingly gave Brady and Co 4-6 yards per play.    I never understood it, especially when everyone knew the best way to beat NE was to hit Brady.  

[PatsFanNH]

3 hours ago, oldmanfan said:

With McD calling the D signals this coming season, what do you think will look different over Frazier calling the shots?  I think we’ll see our corners playing up on WRs more to keep them from getting into their routes.  And I think we’ll see a lot more stunts up front to free up the pass rush.

I think things will be more game to game because playing your CB up on Waddle and Hill and the Bills will get smoked by one or both of them. Against a team say like the Jets and or the Pats and you can probably excel doing that. 

[LABILLBACKER]

3 hours ago, Success said:

I don't expect to see a "bend but don't break" philosophy.  I think we'll see more risks - willing to give up a big play to try to make more impact plays on the defensive side.  More press coverage, not laying 8-10 yards off the receiver at the line.  More aggressive blitzing.

 

And I think it will succeed.  Our '23 defense will get more sacks, more INT's, more fumbles, more TFL.

 

Exactly, the previous defense (Frazier) was so predictable opposing teams knew we would run the same soft zone all game. 

[drummernut74]

I have a hunch we are going to be asking what the hell was McD doing in allowing Frazier to run that defense like that. He’s the head coach, why did he not demand “xyz” from his coordinator?!?! 

[Airseven]

I don’t expect a significant philosophical difference. This has been McDermott’s defense.

[wppete]

A healthy Von Miller after week 6 and hopefully into a long playoff run. That will make a huge difference. 

[Bookie Man]

more 4-3.

[machine gun kelly]

2 hours ago, Big Turk said:

Likely will be more aggressive as alluded to by AJ Klein and some others on D.

 

As Cosell notes in his article, McD was a former Jim Johnson protege and Johnson was known for being aggressive and blitzing...

 

https://touchdownwire.usatoday.com/2023/05/24/buffalo-bills-sean-mcdermott-von-miller-blitz/

Thank hod someone listened to a few of my posts about JJ and his mentorship of McD.  JJ was very aggressive and effective, but he ran primarily from a 3-4.  I don’t see McD converting, but he will be aggressive.

 

One point another mentioned is the underrated acquisition of Rapp.  Rapp is our big nickel solution for heavy 12 personnel and better running teams.  It’s a creative fix and save Taron for the finesse pass happy teams.

 

McBeane inferred there has been a bit of a shift in philosophy where we want more speed at the MLB closer to Milano mold.  Get more power up front with Ford, Daquan, J Philips, and Settle.

[freddyjj]

39 minutes ago, machine gun kelly said:

Thank hod someone listened to a few of my posts about JJ and his mentorship of McD.  JJ was very aggressive and effective, but he ran primarily from a 3-4.  I don’t see McD converting, but he will be aggressive

https://www.catscratchreader.com/2012/2/28/2831884/the-panthers-defense-a-treatise-on-the-jim-johnson-4-3-part-i

Sorry but believe your statement on Eagles being

a 3-4 D under Jim Johnson is incorrect.  

 

 

[AuntieEm]

5 hours ago, Beast said:

He said more aggressive so I would imagine more blitzing for one.

 

  I also think his 'more aggressive'  could signal players being more opportunistic when Josh and offense are clicking in any given game, which I think is pretty much most games, then our defense can certainly get the ball back for Josh and the offense.

 

 

[DCofNC]

I expect a major step backwards, this team has feasted on garbage teams and back up/rookie QBs.  This D is not special and not that talented where it matters.   Middle of the pack ranking and again, Josh will have to win games himself.

 

BUT, it’s not McBeans fault Oliver didn’t show up after an extension, Avon looks old and the rest of the line is average on their best day.

Edited June 5, 2023 by DCofNC

[ganesh]

This team needs to learn to stop the run in critical times.  I know they have been in top 10 Rush defense...but when it came to critical stops, this team failed.  We need them to pick that up.    We dominate the run ad put pressure on the QB.

 

This team needs its defense to step up unlike any other year for them to have a shot at the SB

[machine gun kelly]

10 hours ago, freddyjj said:

https://www.catscratchreader.com/2012/2/28/2831884/the-panthers-defense-a-treatise-on-the-jim-johnson-4-3-part-i

Sorry but believe your statement on Eagles being

a 3-4 D under Jim Johnson is incorrect.  

 

 

Freddy, I may have over stated as I know the zone blitz 43 pressures JJ performed back in the day, but he also what is not in this article was a visionary who pioneered the fluidity of going back and forth based on opponents.  Even the Bills show 34 looks at times based on what opposing offenses are showing.

 

JJ was a phenomenal coordinator, and way ahead of his time.  Rivera, McD and even as an offensive coach Reid learned from JJ.

[SoCal Deek]

6 minutes ago, ganesh said:

This team needs to learn to stop the run in critical times.  I know they have been in top 10 Rush defense...but when it came to critical stops, this team failed.  We need them to pick that up.    We dominate the run ad put pressure on the QB.

 

This team needs its defense to step up unlike any other year for them to have a shot at the SB

I don’t disagree with any of that, but IMO last season’s achilles heel’s were poor tackling and surrendering on 3rd and long. I’m confident that good coaching can correct both this year. 

[T master]

I'd say given the signings that Beane has done the D will be delicious this season to say the least . 

 

Adding Floyd and Rapp then with Myka & Po being healthy this D could be a hole lot better in getting to the QB & causing havoc for other teams, they have been really good in the past when it comes to stats but with these additions it could be much better in play than stats .

 

I watched some of last seasons games & Edmunds was decent but it seemed every cli[ i saw him late to the tackle or missed completely & i think the MLB could even be better if the new kid Williams as long as he has better instincts & can pick up the D quick with Klien's help .

[Just in Atlanta]

Whatever it is, I don't want to see our CBs lined up 8-10 yards from their WRs. Goodness, that was painful to watch in the Cinci game. 

Other than that, I don't expect much - I feel as if these defenses have been his all along. Edmund's departure should change some things, not having that beast in the middle of the field ... what, I don't know. 

[Little Dog]

12 hours ago, wppete said:

A healthy Von Miller after week 6 and hopefully into a long playoff run. That will make a huge difference. 

With the signing of Floyd, I see a more aggressive attack at the opposing QB 

[machine gun kelly]

7 minutes ago, Little Dog said:

With the signing of Floyd, I see a more aggressive attack at the opposing QB 

This signing was a bit underreported.  He had 9 sacks last year and 47.5 in 7 years with solid performancws

opposite of Von.  I love it.

 

I thought maybe we took a swing on Ngakoue, but he may have wanted too much.  This is a good sign.  If he alternates with Rousseau after Avon is back, plus Poona is a nice addition to the interior.  Settle might be the odd one out as much as I still like him.  We’ll find out in TC or specifically in late August.

[blacklabel]

I remember in 2020 they had to deal with a lot of players shuffling in and out on defense and it forced them to mix things up. The numbers weren't where they were for like '21 and '22 but they were definitely more aggressive. They mixed up the looks a lot more, more blitzing, more stunts, etc. They gave up some plays but they also seemed to cause more pressure, sacks, and turnovers. I hope it's more of that, like, let them get after it as opposed to keep everything in front of you and don't give up the big play. 

[Bleeding Bills Blue]

Be more effective in how and when you blitz.  Let Poyer roam a bit more with Hyde able to play that single high safety.  Continue to mix the cover 3 and cover 4 palms looks they use on 3rd and longs.  I'd like to see our corners be a bit more aggressive attacking the catch point.

 

I expect we get beat deep more often this year, but also create more negative plays.  I don't really care about being #2 in yards allowed on defense if its a defense that gets shredded in the playoffs.  

 

The big key is peaking at the right time - and not in september/october like we did last year. 

[Royale with Cheese]

12 hours ago, DCofNC said:

I expect a major step backwards, this team has feasted on garbage teams and back up/rookie QBs.  This D is not special and not that talented where it matters.   Middle of the pack ranking and again, Josh will have to win games himself.

 

BUT, it’s not McBeans fault Oliver didn’t show up after an extension, Avon looks old and the rest of the line is average on their best day.

 

LOL...you're still using this when it's not true and you know it but you want to keep repeating it.

Lets revisit this in about 6 months.

[Florida Bills Fanatic]

Go back and watch Carolina games during their winning seasons (including super bowl season) and we'll have a good idea of what to expect.  Collapsing the pocket from the d-tackles, containing the edge, few free releases for WR's, wide variety in the blitz game, continued rotation on the d-line, more third and long specific personnel grouping substitutions, playing more of the game in the offensive backfield, and corners on an island more often are the things that have been seen from McD in the past. 

[DCofNC]

42 minutes ago, Royale with Cheese said:

 

LOL...you're still using this when it's not true and you know it but you want to keep repeating it.

Lets revisit this in about 6 months.

You still keep trying to site a whopping 2 games as an indication of your bias vs the body of evidence.   You can believe whatever you want. 

21 minutes ago, Florida Bills Fanatic said:

Go back and watch Carolina games during their winning seasons (including super bowl season) and we'll have a good idea of what to expect.  Collapsing the pocket from the d-tackles, containing the edge, few free releases for WR's, wide variety in the blitz game, continued rotation on the d-line, more third and long specific personnel grouping substitutions, playing more of the game in the offensive backfield, and corners on an island more often are the things that have been seen from McD in the past. 

They had damn well better not being paying all this money to Von and using multiple 1st and second round picks as edge setters.  I’m all for interior pressure, but if they misuse the personnel that way, everyone should be fired.  If that’s the plan, no more games, obviously the coaches and the GM can’t get in the same page and it’s just pissing in the wind.  Especially after adding Floyd. 

[wjag]

The East is going to be so hard to predict this year.   Big upgrades in Buffalo, Miami and NY.

 

I don't suspect we will see a different philosophy on defense.  What I do hope is the players they now have can execute it better.

 

oh.. and it goes without saying, injuries to QB1 across all teams will figure prominently in who thrives, who survives and who dies..  

 

Edited June 5, 2023 by wjag

[dpberr]

With SD being an understudy of Jim Johnson, I'd expect:

 

1.  Misdirection all the time.  No more predictable "oh we'll just rush 4....""

2. Many more blitzes from the secondary and linebackers.

3. Many more opportunities for interceptions.