Bills Blues

By: Arjun Pindiprolu
Unfortunately, the Bill’s triumph over the Jets is not evidence that the Bills are actually decent this year. We all painfully learned that they can’t win against an actually competitive team that is rebuilding. Let’s begin with the defense. Currently, this year’s defense appears to be better than 2014’s, which was the 4th strongest in the league. The players seem comfortable in a 4-3 defensive scheme, making plays simpler. They did manage to sack Cam Newton six times and injure him on the last one. Jerry Hughes had 2, Lorenzo Alexander came in with one, Eddie Yarbrough tallied a sack, Jordan Poyer had his second sack of the season, and Shaq Lawson had his first sack this season. The defensive line is the strength of this team, as it has always been. The linebackers seem only mediocre, suffering attacks through the middle of the field by Cam Newton and his wideouts. The cornerbacks and safeties held strong against some decent receivers. Tre’davious White made some plays, but Poyer was the best, showing off his skills, and partially validating the massive contract under which he is playing with us. All in all, the defense is ranked 7th, which isn’t too atrocious, but results in some ugly games, like the Panthers game. However, the offense is just atrocious. If somebody plays the run, the Bills just can’t move the ball. We traded Sammy Watkins and Anquan Boldin retired. Jordan Matthews is a no. 2 wideout, not a one. Charlie Clay’s ball catching skills are anything but consistent, and Zach Jones was framed by Tyrod Taylor. EJ Manuel could have easily made that throw. Next week, the Bills take on the Broncos in Orchard Park. Denver is fresh off a 42 to 17 win over the Cowboys, a foreboding prospect for our embattled team. The defense of Denver will probably play the run, leading our only option as straws of hope for victory for our collective hands to grasp at.