Looking back at the 2015 season, it was a tale of two positions secondary wise. For the corners, the Bills had the 4th and 14th best corners per PFF ; for the safeties – not so good. Because of this disparity as well as injuries to key players throughout the year – and the scheme change – the Bills’ secondary on the whole suffered.
Key Stats
To drop from 3rd to 19th in yards was a combination of factors, including the preciptious drop in pass rush; however, the drop from 19 interceptions to 17 interceptions was minimal and speaks to the playmaking ability of the group. Gilmore and Darby, when healthy were quite a formidable team – as the aforementioned PFF stat can attest. But no matter what the metric, watch the two of them work and you can tell that they weren’t the reason those stats dropped. With the injury to Aaron Williams as well as Graham for some reason being far more flat footed, the Bills were susceptible to double moves and deep passes as the season wore on. Players like Bacarri Rambo were great depth to have, but are more strong safety types than the free safety needed in today’s NFL to roam the field.
Possible FA Fits
With the cap strapped Bills trying to get better on the cheap, here are a few options that fit:
Kyle Wilson, Saints – The former first rounder for the Jets has played for both Rex and Rob – so bringing him in as a replacement should Leodis get his walking paper makes too much sense.
Duke Ihenacho, Washington – After playing on a one-year contract and getting injured in September, Ihenacho should be open to a lower “prove it” type deal. However, because of his size (6’1 200+ lbs) and speed deficiency, he’s a strong safety only for the Ryan defense.
George Iloka, Bengals – A 6’4, 225 lb safety that can perhaps sneak in as a dime LB? That sounds like a good fit for the Bills. The big question will be cost – will Iloka see himself as one of those “dust settle” players that Doug Whaley mentioned or will he be looking for a bigger payday once free agency opens? That remains to be seen.
Final Thoughts
Ultimately, health is going to determine the status of the safety and corner for the Bills in 2016. If Gilmore, Aaron Williams and Darby are all well – and Graham can stop the slide he had towards the end of the year – this has the makings of a special unit.
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