Buffalo Bills: 5 Reasons They Will Finally Return to the Playoffs
By Paul Taylor
2) The full implementation of Rex Ryan’s defense
In some respects, Rex Ryan was in a no-win situation when he arrived in Buffalo, despite his reputation as a defensive guru. If the defense performed well, it was down to the personnel that was already there, but if they played poorly, Ryan would get the blame.
However, no one could have anticipated exactly how much worse the Bills defense would be in 2015. After finishing fourth in yards and points allowed the year before, they dropped to 19th and 15th respectively.
In defense of the former New York Jets’ head coach, it didn’t help that players such as Mario Williams and Marcell Dareus, publicly criticized his schemes. Perhaps influenced by this, Ryan at times implemented a simpler version of his system, but this year they will be no excuses, as the Bills transition into a true 3-4 defense.
It helps that Williams is no longer in Buffalo, Dareus is back on board and Ronald Darby is a year older. Throw in a motivated Stephon Gilmore, who is playing for a new deal, and you anticipate the Bills defense will improve considerably from last season’s efforts.
Next: 1) The main key to returning to the postseason