Owens could enhance defense, and not by playing cornerback

By Anthony Bialy  |   Monday, March 16, 2009  |  Comments( 109 )

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Members of the Buffalo Bills’ defense should be the happiest on the team about Terrell Owens’ acquisition, and not just because they don’t have to cope with him in the huddle. Specifically, he provides them with the indirect chance to play less cautiously. If he can kick-start a stalled offense, defenders can in turn actively help the Bills win; it would serve as a welcome contrast to last season, when the defenders often found themselves single-handedly trying to stave off losing.

Buffalo’s defense was mediocre by comparison in 2008 and respectable when considering how it often stood by itself. The unit permitted 326.1 yards per game, good for 14th in the NFL, while also finishing 14th in points allowed with 342. While a general football fan might take a passing glance at the numbers and conclude the defense was OK, specific Bills fans know the stats should be accompanied by a positive asterisk. The group was better than what superficially looks like a mediocre showing, as the defenders were forced to handle their roles while simultaneously propping up the offense.

Many aspects needed buttressing. Poor blocking, slightly less poor game calling, the lack of receiver depth, and the occasionally spotty play of Trent Edwards or reliably spotty play of J.P. Losman combined to frequently ruin chances at scoring. With so many unconstructive factors, the frequently scrawny point totals were unsurprising: There were seven games in which Buffalo scored 17 or fewer points, including four sad afternoons in which it managed 10, three, three and zero points, respectively.

Accordingly, the defense was forced to reflexively employ a reflexive style. It’s as if they spent last season aware that the backup goalie was playing most nights: They had to operate cautiously out of fear that giving opponents too many opportunities meant a guaranteed loss. But, thanks to potential new offensive firepower generated with one move, there’s bound to be less tension about one big mistake costing an entire game.

Owens and his 10 teammates putting up a few more points on average per contest could effectively permit the defense to compete with rugged aggression. This may finally be the year where this team can win consistently despite surrendering two touchdowns and a field goal; that consequently means a welcome strategy change.

If their colleagues on the ball’s other side can make themselves more productive, everyone on defense will prosper. The defensive line would be able to attack more fearlessly; meanwhile, cornerbacks can bump receivers with abandon while safeties can feel free to pursue the occasional big collision. On top of that, a skillful offense means defensive coordinator Perry Fewell can blitz his linebackers more frequently instead of using them passively full-time.

While of course all those tactics generate risk, they also mean plentiful chances to force shorter opposing gains, frequent incompletions and numerous turnovers. Owens may allow the defense to go on the offensive.

Regardless of how much dissent lingers regarding bringing Owens to Buffalo, it’s done; that decision has been made by those who actually get to make that decision. Now, they may as well harvest the rewards of their unholy alliance with an impish player.

With Owens’ thoroughly established negatives hovering overhead, the Bills are best off exploiting the combustible situation. That’s especially true for teammates who blessedly aren’t directly handling Owens. If he incites the offense to collectively score with ease, he’ll also be aiding the defense more than a new pass-rushing end and the phasing out of Ko Simpson combined.
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CommentsComments: 109  |  Sign Up  View all comments
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No.1
Polish Lover		09:34 AM
03/16/2009
There's some truth to this. Buffalo's defense definitely suffered as a result of sloppy play on the part of Buffalo's offense....
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No.2
flda-dennis		10:30 AM
03/16/2009
Mock draft on ESPN (Davis ) has the Bills picking my guy --- Jenkins CB Ohio st. at #11. Think how the Bills think. They love to...
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No.3
flda-dennis		10:33 AM
03/16/2009
TO has been added to wr corps. Who is the odd man out Parish or REED or Johnson. It wont be Hardy not this year.
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