Multi-talented McGee faltered for ‘06 Bills

By Connor Byrne  |   Monday, January 29, 2007  |  Comments( 13 )

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During the first three seasons of his NFL career, Buffalo's Terrence McGee was among the Bills' steadiest players on both defense and special teams. He emerged as a solid cornerback late in his rookie year, parlaying that into a starter's role by 2004. The ex-Northwestern State star stood out most as a kick returner, though, earning a Pro Bowl bid in '04.

Despite his early-career success, McGee had a nightmarish 2006 campaign for the 7-9 Bills. He was vulnerable in coverage, allowing opposing receivers to dictate the action nearly every week. McGee's worst performance came in a 40-7 October shellacking at the hands of the Chicago Bears. On that fateful afternoon, he was torched by speedy Bears receiver Bernard Berrian for four receptions, 97 yards and a 62-yard touchdown.

By the time the season came to a close, McGee had totaled 76 tackles and no interceptions. Considering the former fourth-rounder had picked off nine passes in his first three seasons, '06 was a major disappointment for the Bills' No. 2 cornerback. His shining moment was a 68-yard fumble recovery returned for a touchdown against the AFC's top team, the Indianapolis Colts, in Week 10. Buffalo went on to lose the game, however, 17-16.

As for returning kicks, the 5-foot-9, 195-pound McGee had a solid, unspectacular campaign. He finished with full-season career lows in yardage (1,355), yards per return (26.1) and touchdowns (zero). This from a player who averaged 26.3 yards in '04, a whopping 30.2 in 2005, and found the opposing end zone four times.

Right now, all the 26-year-old can do is bounce back to the best of his ability. With the Bills set to lose top cornerback Nate Clements in free agency, there's a decent chance McGee may have to take his place next season. Buffalo's third cornerback, Kiwaukee Thomas, is also an unrestricted free agent, which puts the Bills in further trouble at the position.

For most of his four-year career, McGee has been a solid cover corner. Last year, though, he was seemingly exposed by opposing quarterbacks and receivers. Part of the reason for McGee's struggles may very well have been the development of rookie free safety Ko Simpson, who shared one half of the defensive backfield with McGee. As Simpson experienced difficulty, so did McGee. But as the first-year man thrived, his teammate did, too.

When next season rolls around, Simpson will undoubtedly have a better understanding of what it takes to play defense in the pros. Because of that, McGee could go back to his old ways of being a terrific member of the Bills' secondary.

If not, Buffalo's pass defense -- which was a top 10 group last year -- will be in unfamiliar trouble next season.

cbyrne@realfootball365.com.
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CommentsComments: 13  |  Sign Up  View all comments
No.1
Steve		07:46 AM
01/29/2007
While I agree McGee had a nightmarish first half of the season, he got his confidence back and rebounded nicely in the 2nd half...
No.2
Steven		08:49 AM
01/29/2007
That whole side was an issue last year, with Spikes playing way below par as well as well because of injury, which surely...
No.3
Grant		09:25 AM
01/29/2007
Connor I agree with the observation McGee didn' have his best season, but to say "nightmarish" seems a bit over the top. He did...
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