NFL: Ranking the Top 5 Defenses on paper right now
By Robby Sabo
3. Buffalo Bills
There’s a new boss in the town of Buffalo, and he likes his defense.
OK, so maybe Rex Ryan does say “we” when referencing his defense and “them” while referencing his offense, but there’s no denying he’s a master defensive game planner.
It’s funny actually; Ryan finds himself in the same situation in Buffalo as he did with the Jets. Thanks to that, he’ll have the opportunity to implement his philosophy: an all-weather team who’ll pound the rock and play stout defense.
One little issue that remains on offense is that their personnel doesn’t fit a ground-and-pound attack, but that’s neither here nor there.
Today, we discuss defense, and today we all know this Bills team is for real on that side of the ball.
The strength of the unit lies upfront. Mario Williams is still on top of his game at 30 years of age. His 14.5 sacks led the team, just 4.5 ahead of interior defensive lineman Marcel Dareus.
Defensive end Jerry Hughes and defensive tackle Kyle Williams complete the foursome that is arguably the best defensive line in the game–although the St. Louis Rams might have something to say about that.
Interestingly enough, if Kiko Alonso hadn’t been traded for LeSean McCoy, this Bills unit could’ve been competing for top spot. The reason they’re No. 3 is purely because of Ryan.
Ryan is a guy who doesn’t just take pride in his defense, it’s everything he thinks about (oftentimes to the detriment of the offense). His defensive rankings are always stellar, and that will only improve this unit’s worth.
Next: Number 2