PITTSFORD —Among the many weaknesses on the Buffalo Bills, linebacker would rank as one of the biggest.
There is a chance, if two free agent pick-ups return to their old form, linebacker could actually be a position of strength in 2011.
Nick Barnett and Shawne Merriman are two of the more intriguing Bills this season. As opposed to filling in holes with fringe players on the cheap, the Bills went out and found two legitimate NFL players at a bargain rate because of injuries.
It’s asking a lot for Barnett and Merriman to return to the form of their younger days, but even a solid, 16-game season from one or both of them could go a long way in improving one of the league’s worst defenses.
The Bills were dead last against the run in 2010 and hardly ever put real pressure on quarterbacks.
First-round draft pick Marcell Dareus was selected to be a disruptive force on the line, but the Bills need impact players at linebacker.
A lack of playmakers on defense — at all positions — has been the biggest shortcoming on a porous Bills’ defense.
Formerly one of the league’s most dominant defensive forces, Merriman has only played 18 total games the last three seasons. Merriman had 39.5 sacks — 17 in 2006 — through his first three NFL seasons before injuries and a league substance abuse suspension derailed his career.
“In the 3-4 scheme, you need good outside linebackers,” said Barnett. “We had Clay (Matthews) in Green Bay and Shawne Merriman is every bit as good, if not better, than Clay. I’m not bashing on Clay, but Shawne is a great player.”
The Bills signed Merriman late last season, but an injury early in his first practice with the team ended his season before it began.
Meanwhile, Barnett — a member of the reigning Super Bowl champion Green Bay Packers — missed significant time in two of the last three seasons and is coming off a wrist injury in 2010. Before the injuries, however, Barnett averaged just under 120 tackles a seasons and has 15.5 sacks and nine interceptions.
“Just having (Barnett) here gives a guy like me and the rest of the Bills a chance to get together,” said Merriman.
If Barnett and Merriman become playmakers, the Bills will not have to rely on the likes of Chris Kelsay, Andra Davis, and Reggie Torbor as more than just depth and reserves.
Add promising second-year player Arthur Moats and rookie Kelvin Sheppard to the mix and the linebackers should be a critical position to watch throughout the season.
It’s asking a lot for both — or even one — of those players to return to their old form, but strength up the middle and a relentless pass rush should never be minimized as being the difference on an NFL defense.
Clock ticking on Maybin?
Aaron Maybin needs to prove himself very quickly — the understatement of training camp. Maybin struggled to get on the field in 2010, and has not distinguished himself yet early in camp so far. The Bills drafted Maybin to be a speed rusher and he has been a ghost on the field — when he’s actually called on to be out there. Head coach Chan Gailey and general manager Buddy Nix did not draft Maybin and have no loyalty to him. Barring a stunning turn in his play over the next couple of weeks and Maybin could be searching for a new team.
Crossing the Moats
The Bills have made some small, but interesting moves in free agency so far. One decision has many — myself included — scratching their heads. Arthur Moats was one of the few bright spots on a bad defense last season. Moats caused havoc as a pass rusher and the idea of him doing that for a full season had to be exciting for Bills fans. Now, the team has decided to move him back inside? It’s a curious move since he had success there last year and now the Bills added Barnett to be the replacement for Paul Posluszny in the middle. Moats should stay on the outside and run wild.
Spiller’s new look
C.J. Spiller got his number back. Spiller and cornerback Leodis McKelvin flipped numbers, so the Bills’ 2010 first-round pick can have the number he worse at Clemson. Spiller is now No. 28, while McKelvin will wear 21 this season. New number or old, Spiller is another player that has pressure to finally make an impact this season. There is not as much pressure on Spiller as Maybin, but he has a special skill set that was rarely seen during his rookie season. It’s time the Bills unleased their weapon and get some production.
Chan’s new toy
Say what you will about Chan Gailey, but the man can coach offense. The Bills went 4-12 in Gailey’s first season, but they were pretty darn exciting many Sundays. Unlike the Dick Jauron Buffalo Bills that could put you to sleep when they ran their offense, Gailey’s Bills could score points and were often creatively doing so. It makes sense Brad Smith — the former do a little of everything guy for the New York Jets — would be a player made for Gailey’s offensive mind. Smith played quarterback in college, but has served as mostly a wide receiver, kick returner, and Wild cat quarterback during his NFL career. Smith will likely do the same for the Bills, but adds an element to the offense Gailey is sure to utilize often.
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