Overview
- Head Coach: Rex Ryan
- Defensive Coordinator: Dennis Thurman
- Defensive Back Coach: Donnie Henderson
- Base Defense Scheme: 3-4, Blitz Heavy
- Transactions: CB Lavelle Westbrooks and Nickell Robey signed
- Draft Picks: CB Ronald Darby
Projected Starters
| CornerBack # 1: | Stephon Gilmore | |
| CornerBack # 2: | Ronald Darby | |
| Strong Safety : | Corey Graham | |
| Free Safety : | Aaron Williams | |
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The Numbers
Total Fantasy Points Allowed to WR: 328.48 Average Fantasy Points Per game against to WR: 20.53 Total Receiving Touchdowns Allowed: 13 Total Receiving Yards Allowed:2,514 Average Receiving yards per game against: 157.13
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Strengths
The Bills were one of the top defenses in 2014 and should remain a stout unit this year. They allowed the fewest passing touchdowns and the third fewest passing yards. This secondary is led by Cornerbacks Leodis McKelvin and Stephem Gilmore who did a solid job on the outside, while Aaron Williams took care of the deep and middle parts of the field. Gilmore was one of the highest rated coverage corner backs in 2014 and all camp reports indicate he is in line for another solid season in Rex Ryans new scheme.
Weaknesses
Leodis McKelvin is currently in the reserve NFI list and rookie Ronald Darby is expected to start alongside Gilmore. Darby is a second round pick that could be a strong force on this defense. Reports are saying he is far ahead of where they expected him to be and are comfortable with him in this role. Still Rex Ryan is known for his very complicated defenses and has not had much success with rookie corner backs coming in and starting strong right away. See the mess that is Dee Millner for the most recent example. It might be best to take a wait and see approach but I could see some big plays happening on Darby early on and if his confidence is shaken he could be one to target until McKelvin returns.
Overall Outlook
The main addition to this unit in the offseason has to be the addition of head coach Rex Ryan who is a defensive guru and molded the Jets defenses into dominant relentless units. He will blitz a ton and create opportunities for this secondary to create big plays. Rex often leaves his defensive backs on an island and it will be interesting to see if he allows Gilmore to shadow the other teams star receiver and what this unit does when Leodis McKelvin makes his return. The Bills are set to be one of the best secondaries in the league once again and definitely proved that in Week 1 by shutting down the Colts passing attack. There is just no reason to target any offensive players going against the Bills until further notice.
