The Buffalo Bills pass rushing exploits have regressed the last two seasons. Can they recapture their league-leading QB harassment capabilities under Sean McDermott?
By Canio Marasco / Contributing Correspondent
Just two years ago, the Bills boasted one of the best defenses in the NFL. With the addition of Rex Ryan, many thought the Bills defense would reach an even higher-level of success. Paradoxically, the Bills defense regressed under Ryan. The most notable change was the precipitous decrease in sacks. After two years of low sack totals, the Bills have made big changes on the defensive side of the ball. Here are three reasons why the Bills will shake off last season and enjoy a sack resurgence in 2017.
PREVIOUS 4-3 OUTPUT
In 2013, under defensive coordinator Mike Pettine, the Bills built one of the best defensive lines in the NFL. The star-studded defensive line decimated opposing teams, and totaled 57 sacks on the season. In 2014, under defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz, the Bills defense continued their dominance, totaling 54 sacks on the year.
The common denominator between those two productive defenses was the scheme. Both Pettine and Schwartz used a 4-3 system. Ryan, however, used a complex defense that was based in a 3-4 front.
Under Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier, the Bills will be returning to the 4-3.
“We’re implementing a 4-3 scheme and the guys have really bought into that and that’s what we’re practicing and that’s what we’re looking forward to,” said Frazier. “[It’s] what we’re both most comfortable with, and we think it fits our players well.”
The production of the Bills defense in 2013 and 2014 can’t be completely attributed to the 4-3 scheme. However, as Frazier stated, the Bills’ current personnel fits the new scheme better. With players enjoying better fits and roles they’re familiar with, sacks could certainly be on the rise next season.
MCDERMOTT’S SACK HISTORY
Sean McDermott comes to Buffalo with an impressive precedent for producing defenses that rack up sacks. Last season, the Carolina Panther’s defense totaled 47 sacks on the season. In their run to the Super Bowl in 2015, the Panther’s defense totaled 44 sacks. McDermott’s most impressive season came in 2013, when his defense produced 60 sacks.
Possibly more important than the personnel in Carolina was the culture McDermott preached. Since the young head coach has arrived in Buffalo, he has stressed a system where players buy in and give their all for their teammates. There was no one player on the Carolina defensive line that was most responsible for their success – it was a team effort.
This philosophy could be paramount in building the unit’s confidence, as they try to shake the fact that they underperformed last season.
“I know what I see on a daily basis moving forward,” said McDermott. “And that’s a group of individuals that have bought in to what we’re selling. They’re playing and preparing extremely hard, and that’s really what I’m focused on right now.”
TALENT ON HAND
Much like the productive defenses of 2013 and 2014, the Bills defensive line is loaded with talent. Although the Bills have many of the same players from the last two seasons, they will be returning to a system that fits their skill sets most effectively.
Marcell Dareus and Kyle Williams comprise one of the best defensive tackle duos in the NFL. In 2013, Kyle Williams posted his best season as a Bill, totaling 10.5 sacks. In 2014, Dareus tallied 10 sacks on the season. But, the two saw their numbers dwindle under Ryan.
Dareus stated that he was pleased with the new coaching staff and system during minicamp, as the new scheme has an up-the-field attack style. It has Dareus hopeful that the defense can rebound this season.
“I owe it to myself, to the Buffalo Bills, and the fans,” said Dareus in making 2017 a bounce back year. “I mean I really just want to be the best I can possibly be. Finally put it all together and see what I can actually do.”
The Bills’ pass rush will also be bolstered by the talents of Jerry Hughes, and Lorenzo Alexander. Hughes had 10 sacks in 2013 and 2014, but faced a slump like Dareus and Williams the past two seasons. Alexander broke out for 12.5 sacks last season, as he showed his natural pass rushing ability.
Possibly the biggest beneficiary to a scheme change is Shaq Lawson. The rookie had a tough season last year, as he struggled to adjust to his role in the Bills defense. With a change to a 4-3, Lawson will be able to do what he does best – simply rush the quarterback.
Lawson stated that with McDermott in charge, the defense has regained their confidence once again.
“Just a change in culture, soon as he came in, day one,” said Lawson. “It’s something that we needed here, and it’s been great ever since day one. He’s holding everybody accountable, making sure everybody does what they have to do.”
Buffalo has a handful of games against veteran quarterbacks who don’t take sacks, but in this scheme the Bills should get back north of 45 sacks if their primary pass rushers can stay healthy in 2017.