Because a new CBA is soon to be reached (hopefully), I feel a forward-looking piece is no longer a blogger’s act of desperation anymore. I’ve always been a little leery of the Buffalo Bills captains, and even in their 4-12 campaign of 2010 we’re well aware of the players that had respectable seasons.
I’ll start with possible candidates from the defensive side of the ball. Before I begin, I’ve got to make a few aspects of selecting captains clear. I understand that being the best on-the-field player isn’t a prerequisite to wearing a “C” on your shoulder. Many captains are leaders in the locker room or are blue-collar specialists that do things that don’t pop out on television or in the stat book.
The Bills have two other 2010 captains no longer on the team in Trent Edwards (yikes) and Marcus Stroud. Chris Kelsay, Lee Evans and George Wilson were the others in 2010.
Ok now lets get to it:
Kyle Williams
When the Bills unveil their new digs Friday (our own Mark Bermingham will be in attendance covering the event. Follow him @markberm) Williams uniform should already have the “C” on it. He is rarely injured, gives his all on every play, oh, and he’s a total monster. Williams was one of the few Bills players to get notoriety from the vast majority of players and coaches around the league. He embodies what the Bills want to become.
George Wilson
I’m placing these two at the top of the list because to me, they’re the most likely candidates to become captains. Wilson is a fan favorite, willingly plays from a backup role and actually has put up far better “play-making” statistics (interceptions and pass breakups) than the polarizing Donte Whitner. His teammates call him “the Senator” and he’s not only an emotional leader on the field, but in the locker room as well. A no-brainer.
Paul Posluzny
Although Poz finished near the top of the NFL in tackles last season, his impact on the field is very minimal. He hasn’t been fast enough to track down running backs, often takes the wrong angle on outside runs and doesn’t consistently shed blocks. There’s a chance he’ll be be let go when the new CBA is reached, but chances are he’ll man the middle again next season. He kind of is a leader on the field, by default, but yea, he won’t be a captain.
Drayton Florence
A very interesting case here with Florence. Buddy Nix and the Bills have made it known that they want to resign the energetic corner and if he does come back next season, he’s got a shot to get the “C” on his jersey. He plays with a ton of passion, really gets his teammates and the fans going, and outside of the handful of illegal hands down the field penalties, he’s an above average corner. If any secondary member gets the captaincy nod, it’s Florence.
Marcell Dareus
Ndamukong Suh wasn’t even a captain last season, so for anyone expecting or hoping for the Bills first-round pick to be a captain this year, forget about it. Certainly a candidate for the future.
Those are really the only guys I think have any chance from the defense or would be in the discussion to Bills fans everywhere. All the rest of the guys haven’t been on the team long enough or simply haven’t played like a “captain” the last few years.
Who do you think, from the defense, should be a captain next season?
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