It was the one given when the season started for the Buffalo Bills, right? The defense. The fourth-ranked unit in 2014 was sure to stay among the best in 2015 with Rex Ryan on-board.
That hasn’t happened. Not by a long shot.
The Bills' defense has been its biggest disappointment. It ranks 20th in the NFL. It boasts an improbable 19 sacks, which is third worst in the league (after leading the NFL last year with 54).
Marcell Dareus only has two sacks after signing that six-year, $108 million contract extension. He says his team jumped the gun in believing all they Rex Ryan hype in training camp.
“Getting a new head coach and stuff, his system has to be in place and it doesn't happen in a year,” said the pro bowl defensive tackle. “That's what I think we all missed. We looked at the pieces we put in and forgot the big picture of letting it all set, seal and don't touch it for a little bit. Let the cement harden. Let us know that we are on concrete.”
“I agree with Marcell, it does take time for a really good defense to understand a new scheme,” said linebacker Manny Lawson. "It can take 16 games or even longer."
The Bills visit Washington on Sunday.
Follow Shawn Stepner on Twitter: @StepnerWKBW
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