Bills Secondary Preview

by Coast

"7 Days till Training Camp"

The Bills secondary last year was the strength of the defense, if there was one. The Bills pass defense ranked 7th in the NFL in total yards allowed. Don't get me wrong, the Bills young defensive backs did an admirable job, but this stat is inflated because of the way opposing teams were able to run at will against this defense.

SS Dante Whitner and FS Ko Simpson will be returning as starters for the upcoming season. Whitner and Simpson played well as rookies a year ago. Simpson showed his ability to make plays with 2 interceptions including a game saving INT against Brett Favre. Whitner being the 8th overall pick in the draft, has higher expectations. He had 105 tackles, ranking 2nd on the team, but it would be nice to see that interception number of 1 increase this season. Simpson, being a 4th round pick exceeded expectations and look for him as well as Whitner to continue to improve this season.

The new number one corner this year will be Terrance McGee. In his first few seasons in the league, McGee showed exceptional play making ability. Last year, he didn't at all. Many blame it on the fact that he gained a lot of muscle and lost some quickness. Hopefully this is the case because he has slimmed down this year entering camp. McGee had 0 interceptions last year which obviously will not get it done for a number one cornerback. Also, for a guy who has looked shaky as a cover man at times, he will now have to line up against the likes of Moss, Chambers, Coles, Walker, Owens, Burress, and the list goes on. McGee must pick up his play.

The number 2 cornerback position is an interesting battle. Free agent Jason Webster, Kiwaukee Thomas, Jabari Greer, and the intriguing Ashton Youboty will battle for this spot in training camp. Webster, a former starter in Atlanta may have a slight edge entering camp but that could change real fast. Youboty has the most upside of the group. He is much taller than Webster, standing at 6'0 vs 5'8. This will give him a huge advantage against the taller receivers. Unfortunately for Ashton, he has essentially no playing experience. Regardless of who wins the battle for the number 2 corner spot, the Bills have solid depth at corner.

As far as safety depth, the same cannot be said. The Bills depth consists of Jim Leonhard, John Wendling, and SS/LB extraordinare Coy Wire. It has also been rumored that George Wilson has been getting work there. Essentially, if any of these guys see action, Bills fans will hold their breath. However the upside of Wendling, the Bills 6th round pick this year, is tremendous. Wendling is an incredible athlete. There were rumors the Patriots were seriously looking at Wendling and many had him projected higher than his 6th round selection. If Wendling gets a chance to contribute this season, he could surprise some people. He should at least make an impact on special teams.