The Bills defense is more talented than most in the NFL, but that hasn’t always shown itself through the first month of the season. Part of the reason why is defensive communication. Too often the defense is still moving players around to get into the best possible play call for what they anticipate is coming from the opposing offense. The problem is the defensive alignment isn’t always set and ready, especially when opponents got to the no huddle, up tempo approach. It’s something each of Buffalo’s first four opponents have turned to at times. So what’s the solution?
In a word, simplify. Buffalo’s defense is so talented that even if they’re not in the best possible play call their players are good enough to still make a play. DT Kyle Williams believes there could be times where reducing their many options in their defensive system might be better so their talent can take over.
“We’ve had some guys coming in and out. We’ve been going up against a team that’s going hurry-up, no huddle, throwing different formations at you and going at a quick clip. They’re getting the ball in and out of the quarterback’s hands—that’s a challenge on its own,” Williams said. “When we’re getting stuff like that, we might bring it back down a little bit so we can line up and play fast. But we have to know when we have to do that, and when we don’t have to.”
Williams is expecting more quick pass game from the Titans Sunday, just like their previous opponents.
“It’s like everything else, if you’re having trouble stopping the run or whatever it may be, you’re going to see as much of that as they feel like they can handle, until you get it stopped,” he said. “We have to be prepared for it.”
