Two Bills Drive

John Levra has been busy putting together his plans for the defensive line this off-season. Levra lost some valuable players in Bruce Smith and Sean Moran. Here he talks about the major questions surrounding the line.

According to Wade Phillips, right guard Joe Panos will be ready to resume his position when the season convenes. Panos had a bulging disc in his neck and had surgery to repair it during 1999. He was inactive every game.

With Antoine Winfield taking over for Thomas Smith at right cornerback, there was some question whether he’d still be the nickel back playing the middle and covering the slot receiver on third downs.

What does Marcellus Wiley have to work on to replace Bruce Smith at right defensive end? Though defensive line coach John Levra likes Wiley’s speed, quickness and size, the coach is looking for him to improve his pass rush.

OK, Who will play free safety for the Bills? Good question. Manny Martin, Kurt Schulz’s backup, tore a knee ligament in mid-season and missed the remainder of the year. His status is questionable.

Some people think the veteran losses of starters Bruce Smith, Thomas Smith and Kurt Schulz will lead to defensive leadership deficit disorder. But if everyone follows the lead of someone such as Phil Hansen, that shouldn’t be a problem.

When Pat Williams signed a five-year contract extension last month, it led to speculation that he and Ted Washington could be used together as tackles in a 4-3 defense. But Wade Phillips squashed that idea: “Definitely out of the question.”