Rex Ryan has never been afraid of making bold predictions. That has not changed.
The Buffalo Bills coach predicted that, despite being short handed, this year’s Bills’ defense will be better than last year’s.
“I see the big picture. I also see this defense is improving,” Ryan said, via Mike Rodak, ESPN. “I’ve said it from Day 1: we’re going to be better. We will definitely be better than we were last year, in my opinion. Regardless of those [injuries and suspension], this defense will be better.”
On the surface, this doesn’t seem too brash. This is a coach known for predicting Super Bowl wins, after all. In comparison, this sounds pretty conservative. Buffalo’s defense was not anything special. It finished middle of the pack in both points per game (15th) and yards allowed per game (19th).
The problem is that the Bills’ defense is a MASH unit. Suspensions and injuries have ravaged this team.
Reggie Ragland is out for the year (ACL). IK Enemkpali suffered a season ending injury and was cut. He was only playing because of an injury to Shaq Lawson (who could miss the first half of the season) and an injury to Manny Lawson, who is facing a one-game suspension to open the season.
Another suspended player — defensive lineman Marcell Dareus — is suspended until Week 5 for testing positive for marijuana.
That’s a ton of talent to make up for. And while Ryan has been an excellent defensive coach in the past, this appears to be quite the mountain to climb.