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Buffalo Bills Claiming IK Enemkpali Is All About Rex Ryan

By Erik Lambert

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Jul 31, 2015; Pittsford, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills head coach Rex Ryan calls out to linebacker Tony Steward (50) during training camp at St. John Fisher College. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

There were more than few critics, fans and general football followers who were stunned when IK Enemkpali, the linebacker responsible for belting New York Jets quarterback Geno Smith in the mouth, breaking his jaw in two places, was claimed almost immediately off waivers by the Buffalo Bills.

Already the criticisms are flying that the Bills made the league and themselves look bad by giving this guy, one who has a history of confrontation on and off the field, another chance.  However, it must be kept in mind that there are two sides to every story.  Word is Smith wasn’t exactly innocent in the confrontation, provoking Enemkpali both with refusing to pay him back $600 and sticking a finger in his face during their argument.

It doesn’t excuse the young defender for the punch, but it does indicate that the media may not know the entire story.  As anybody knows in the NFL, it’s not the guy who starts the fight that gets caught, it’s the one who retaliates.

Besides, this move by the Bills is all about faith in their new head coach.  Rex Ryan actually has a history of taking in players who are considered “cancerous” in terms of locker room trouble.  Not only that, but they all seem to come in and thrive.

  • Santonio Holmes, who was allowed to leave by Pittsburgh due to personality issues, signed on and became a huge playmaker for the Jets in 2010.
  • Antonio Cromartie has spent a journeyman career during which he’s not always the most popular guy.  Ryan turned him into a Pro Bowl player five years after his previous one.
  • Percy Harvin got himself run out of both Minnesota and Seattle over problems with the coaches.  He joined Ryan’s Jets last season and in just eight games and no scheme experience put up 460 yards from scrimmage, 495 return yards and a touchdown.

Some coaches just have a knack for being able to reach “troubled” players.  Ryan has always favored men with attitude, and it’s obvious IK Enemkpali has it.  That is why the coach drafted him in New York and saw fit to give him a second chance in Buffalo.

He believes he can get the most from the player while reasoning with the man.  Time will tell if his latest gamble will pay off, but history says Ryan knows what he’s doing.

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