With the transition to the Rex Ryan defense in 2015, the expectations was an explosive, dominant unit. No unit (perhaps other than the defensive line) had a rude awakening more than the linebacking unit. What was a solid squad under Schwartz was a unit that missed tackles, assignments and fits in the run game under Ryan.
Key Stats
I would waste your time and mine grabbing stats that justify what we saw with our own eyes – a position group that lacked confidence, speed and purpose. Because of that, the Giants, Bengals and Jacksonville games stand out as opportunities lost because of gaffes in basic tackling. In 2016, if the Bills want to do anything with the defense – it won’t matter if it’s Rex, Rob and Buddy Ryan calling the defense, because they’ll get nowhere without a marked improvement in linebacker production.
Possible FA Fits
Looking around the NFL, there are a few options that won’t break the bank yet will give the Bills a shot at getting better at the position:
Demario Davis, Jets – This is almost too easy. Getting someone that Rex called “the next Ray Lewis” on the cheap would be a good get in terms of system fit and locker room influence. And with the Jets looking to sign Henderson instead of Davis, the path from New York to Buffalo may be an easy one.
Rolando McClain, Cowboys – Despite all of the craziness that McClain had in Oakland, he’s been on the whole a productive player and solid citizen in Dallas. Putting him on the Bills defense would allow Rex to have a 3 down linebacker that is going to be relatively inexpensive. However, because of those past indiscretions, how much can the Bills commit to him?
Derrick Johnson, Chiefs – Johnson may be getting up in years, but he’s been a great cog for the Chiefs defense. In Buffalo he’d be a 3 down player and a veteran presence to help get the unit on one unified page. In terms of contracts this will most likely be Johnson’s last shot – so he may cost a bit more than the average 30+ year old.
Final Thoughts
Going into 2016, the Bills are going to need to get better and fast at the linebacker position. Whether it’s another year in the system for the incumbents or an influx of former Rex players, if there is going to be an improvement it has to happen at this position.
Our final position group is a large one: Defensive Backs.
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