Bills Breakdown: The Two Sides Of Buffalo's Defense

It feels different writing following a Bills win.

I could get used to this.

Instead of adding yet another "Game Preview" of this weeks showdown in Charlotte, I'm taking a look at the Bills oddly dissimilar defense, that's made Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde seem somewhat normal.

The Bills defense will be the difference in Sunday's game against the Panthers. Mark my words.

A solid performance, and they'll win. Missed tackles, and gaping running holes will lead directly to the fifth defeat of the season.

Bad News First

I like ending with the good stuff. Finishing with a positive is better, so you'll walk away feeling hopeful for the Bills. I'll start with the permeable run defense.

First, the numbers.

Buffalo is:

- Last in Total Rushing Yards allowed (1091) and obviously average (181.9) in the NFL.

- T-Last in the league in recovered fumbles. (1) They've only forced four. (31st)

- 31st in the NFL in rushing first downs allowed. Trailing only the Browns. Burn.

- On pace to surrender 2,909 yards rushing

Have you thrown up yet? Even a little in your mouth? If you did, it's OK.

It's been that hard to watch the past four weeks if you like hard-nose run defense.

The defensive line really hasn't been the problem. The inexperience at linebacker and safety (mainly due to injuries) has lead to bad angles on runs, with has provided Moses-and-the-Red-Sea-like passageways for opposing runners.

Also, the counter has killed Buffalo.

The Jets employed this misdirection run constantly, to the tune of 318 yards this past Sunday. The Bills now are fully aware it's coming, but don't be surprised if the Panthers institute this deadly run play in Charlotte.

Paul Posluszny needs to get his defense playing with more passion, and aggression. They allowed 130 yards combined in the first two weeks of the season, but have gone all swiss cheese on us since.

The tackling hasn't been any worse than any other NFL defense, but horrible angles have eliminated some players from simple running plays. 

I'm hoping this week Perry Fewell preached to his unit the importance of gap responsibility. I expect them to come out playing downhill against the Panthers, but I still have no confidence in them stopping the run.

Now, the Good News!!!

If you've been surprised about the run defense, how about the Bills defending against the pass?

No, it hasn't been horrible. Quite the opposite actually.

The Bills are:

- Seventh in total passing yards allowed (1,024) and fourth in average per game (171)

- T-First in Yards Per Attempt allowed in the NFL (5.5)

- Third in the NFL with 10 interceptions

- Second in QB Rating allowed (58.5)

Are you sure I wasn't looking at the Baltimore Ravens or the Pittsburgh Steelers?

I'm sure. That's Buffalo's pass D's stat-line. Not bad. Not bad at all.

Many point to the fact that the Bills have faced Derek Anderson, Mark Sanchez, Chad Henne, and Byron Leftwich, but don't forget they hosted Drew Brees, and were in Foxboro for Tom Brady's return.

The numbers seem to be legitimate.

Donte Whitner may not play this weekend, and his buddy, Bryan Scott looks to be out again with a nagging ankle, but George Wilson and Jairus Byrd have spelled the veterans rather nicely.

Byrd is living up to his ball-hawk pre-draft hype, and George Wilson is a straight gamer.

Drayton Florence has filled in for Leodis McKelvin better than many expected, and Terrence McGee, well, he's been Terrence McGee. Don't forget about Reggie Corner.

The Bills/Pathers matchup is a very interesting one. The Bills poor run defense against the Panthers dangerous backs. Jake Delhomme against the Bills secondary. When all is said and done, whatever team imposes its will on the other's weakness will win this football game.

How about some more balance, Bills defense? I love the interceptions, but tackling some running backs would be nice for a change. 

Thoughts welcomed below....