What do you do when part of your defense is rock solid and another part is getting dominated every game? How about change it completely. It may not be the smartest move but, that’s what the Buffalo Bills decided to do. Their defense was 2nd in the NFL in passing but 30th in the league in stopping the run.
Buffalo Bills head coach Chan Gailey introduced the hiring of defensive coordinator George Edwards February 11th, along with the rest of his new coaching staff. The main interest in hiring Edwards was to switch from a 4-3 defense to a 3-4 defense. The 4-3 is considered the more classic style of defense. It uses four defensive linemen and three linebackers. The 3-4 defense uses just three defensive linemen and four linebackers. The 3-4 defense is also used by teams who ranked in the top 5 in total defense in the league.
In a 4-3 defense, a team needs two defensive tackles that weigh 250-280 pounds to charge the middle of the offensive line plus two quick defensive ends to attack the quarterback. Also, the three linebackers must be quick and able to make coverage plays down the field.
A 3-4 defense needs one defensive tackle that weighs 300-340 pounds to dominate the middle of the field along with strong defensive ends to tie up the offensive line. Middle linebackers must be big in size and able to stop the run. Outside linebackers need to be quick and pressure the quarterback.
This is where Edwards, Gailey, new GM Buddy Nix and assistant GM Doug Whaley come in. They need to evaluate the players they have and see what players fit the position a 3-4 defense needs. Other than deciding which players they currently have that fit the new system, they must decide which free agents they need to sign before training camp.
Currently, Marcus Stroud is their defensive tackle and cannot fit the mold of a nose tackle. He fits better as a defensive end in the 3-4 system.
The Bills need to acquire a nose tackle in free agency so they don’t have to reach for one in the draft. The top two nose tackles should be gone when the Bills pick at 9 and the value drops significantly after that.
Most importantly, the Bills have to be smart when evaluating talent, not only with the players they have now, but with the free agents they sign and the players they draft. Coach Gailey and Buddy Nix have a new regime and the moves they make will decide their tenure here in Buffalo.
Bills follow the best
Published: Monday, March 1, 2010
Updated: Monday, March 1, 2010 11:03
 "Photo: photo courtesy of buffalobills.com")
photo courtesy of buffalobills.com
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