Bills
BILLS DVR REWIND: Defense kept Buffalo in Sunday's win
ORCHARD PARK — Since the offensive outbursts have been few and far between, it’s understandable why the focus after the Bills’ 31-14 victory over Miami on Sunday has been squarely on the offense’s contributions.
But before we anoint Perry Fewell as the next Mike Martz, let’s remember that Buffalo’s interim head coach has always been a mentor on the other side of the ball. And it’s distinctly possible that Fewell’s fourth-quarter gambles were a sign he knew his defense was on the ropes.
How could it not be, right? In recent weeks, the offense has left the defense out to dry. And at one point during Sunday’s third quarter, the Dolphins held a 26:02 to 13:03 edge in time of possession, meaning the Bills were gasping.
But the unit regrouped and exposed Henne as the rookie he is down the stretch.
Instead of breaking down specific plays, let’s take a look at some of the underappreciated catalysts.
• Donte Whitner announced his intentions quickly Sunday. On the Bills’ first defensive play, Whitner came late off the backside and got a piece of the ball as Chad Henne released it. Whitner stuffed Ricky Williams after a short gain on the next play. And even though Miami converted on a third down, Whitner charged in again, nearly getting to Henne on yet another blitz.
The message to Whitner sounds like the same one Fewell made last week to Terrell Owens — we’re getting you involved.
The former first-round pick even added an interception in the late going, stepping in front of a bad throw from Henne.
Many have been quick to write Whitner out of the Bills’ plans next season, even though he’s been capable in the past. Maybe this was his signature game — 10 total tackles, two pass deflections, one interception — and a sign that he intends to keep his job in Buffalo.
• Spencer Johnson’s sack late in the first half was a huge play, and just another case of an unheralded player keeping the Bills in a game.
Johnson and Kyle Williams came on a stunt, with Williams ducking behind Johnson. Despite having two blockers in front of him, Johnson snaked through and pulled Henne down for a 7-yard loss. At the time, the Dolphins were just a mid-range pass from field goal range. After, Miami was facing a third-and-24 and dumped a short pass to Lusaka Polite. Johnson hustled back and assisted on that tackle, too.
• We’re the first to admit we underestimated the value of Drayton Florence, a guy we assumed might be cut in the preseason. Florence has maintained a swagger nearly unheard of for a defense that’s lost its top two corners. His fourth-quarter interception was a huge play — although he almost mistimed his jump — and he finished the game with a team-high four pass deflections.
• Forget the interception for a second and look at the other stats Chris Draft put up on Sunday — five solo tackles, two assists and a pass deflection. Remember, the Bills didn’t just pull this guy off the scrap heap, they had to rent the truck to get him off the lot.
• OK, we’re probably just delirious with enthusiasm, but at least you noticed Aaron Maybin on the field Sunday. That’s a start.
Contact sports editor Tim Schmitt at 282-2311, ext. 2266.
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