Buffalo Bills vs Chicago Bears: Preseason Recap (Buffalo Bills)

If you’re a Bills fan you have to be excited about this game. Last season the Bills had a total of 27 sacks for the season, last night they had 9. By the same token you’re worried if you’re the Bears fan that the offensive line isn’t better yet. The other thing you noticed immediately is that the Bills are much, much much stouter in the front seven. Kyle Williams, Dwan Edwards, and Marcel Dareus started, behind them were Alex Carrington and Torrel Troupe.

I’ve watched the game once through and watched the Bills more so I thought I’d give a quick recap of what I saw from the Bills. Later when I watch the game again, I’ll focus more on the Bears and do that recap as well.

If you’re a Bills fan interested in reading a detailed account of what was going on read this here by Brad Andrews of buffalowdown.com

Marcell Dareus

Dareus was a monster on the first Bears possession. He blew up a pass play and put heavy pressure on Jay Cutler, then he had a tackle to stop a run in it’s track. On third down he beat a double team to hit Cutler (with Shawne Merriman, not sure who got credit for that sack).

C.J. Spiller

His first run was very nice, he made a quick read and gained a few yards. He didn’t do much on the ground afer that. He also had a couple of catches. Showcasing his route running ability. The Bills have a lot of speed on offense now with the addition of Brad Smith.

Donald Jones

Jones shoved a cornerback out of the way to try and make a catch and had an offensive pass inteference. He didn’t do anything after that..

Aaron Williams

Made a terrific special teams tackle when he chased down and stopped Johnny Knox to save a kick return touchdowns.

Danny Batten a player who missed all of last year (from South Dakota state) had a very nice start to the preseason. He had 2 of the 9 sacks the Bills got vs the Bears and contributed with three tackles. The Bills have consistently been one of the worst pass rushing teams in football, but yesterday was a good day for them. They really need some pressure from the outside LB spot Merriman could be a big part of the solution, but they still need more. Chris Kelsay isn’t cutting it from the other side.

Alex Carrington

Back to the Bills improved defensive line depth. Reports have been that Alex Carrington looks in better shape this year and he played well last night vs the Bears. He had 2 tackles and a sack. The Bills have one of the mos ttalented young 34 DL in all of football (a long time coming) if Carrington and Troupe keep developing with the addition of Dareus the Bills could be a solid defensive team very soon.

Aaron Maybin

Maybin is probably the player in the league who most needs a great preseason. He returned to the Bills weighing less than some running backs and didn’t do much last night. He’s physically gifted, but if that doesn’t translate onto the field…what’s the use? The Bills clearly regret choosing Maybin over Brian Orakpo.

Johnny White

The first year running back from UNC was one of our favorite running back sleepers, but he didn’t have a great night. Now, the depth of the Bills offensive line (scracth that the ability of the first unit as well) isn’t great, so he didn’t have much to work with. He tallied 9 carries for 13 yards (yikes).

Overall impression

I’m going to reiterate this again, but the Bills looks much better in the front seven. I think Kevlin Sheppard when he starts playing will also be a great fit for the Bills. I truly believe gone will be the days of teams racking up 100+ yards of rushing in the first half and putting the Bills offense in a terrible position. Now, the BIlls are still some pieces away from winning consistently (especially at OT, and QB could be argued as well), but the imporvement is real. The defensive line could turn out to be one of the better surprises in football this year.

Let me know your thoughts on the game Bills fans.

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