Despite losing two key starters on Sunday, the Buffalo Bills' offense still may have taken less of a beating from the New York Jets than their pass defense.
After being lit up all afternoon by Mark Sanchez, who went 19 for 27 with three touchdowns, coach Chan Gailey expressed his frustration with the secondary Monday.
“I think we are in much more of a coverage, I do not want to say dilemma, but we need to tighten up our coverage which will help our pass rush,” Gailey told the media, according to the team's website. “If you let them get it out in rhythm they will. The key is to not let them get it out in rhythm. We have to tighten things up and if we tighten things up I think the pass rush will be much more in play.”
"Rhythm" was the key word for Sanchez and the Jets' offense on Sunday. Sanchez completed just over 70 percent of his passes for more than 250 yards, earning him a passer rating of more than 120. The Bills' defense was only able to muster one turnover against New York, a gimme interception after tight end Jeff Cumberland bobbled a shovel pass by Sanchez on the first drive of the game.
“I think we are in much more of a coverage, I do not want to say dilemma, but we need to tighten up our coverage which will help our pass rush,” Gailey told the media, according to the team's website. “If you let them get it out in rhythm they will. The key is to not let them get it out in rhythm. We have to tighten things up and if we tighten things up I think the pass rush will be much more in play.”
"Rhythm" was the key word for Sanchez and the Jets' offense on Sunday. Sanchez completed just over 70 percent of his passes for more than 250 yards, earning him a passer rating of more than 120. The Bills' defense was only able to muster one turnover against New York, a gimme interception after tight end Jeff Cumberland bobbled a shovel pass by Sanchez on the first drive of the game.
The Bills also did not elect to send many blitzes Sanchez's way, the result being zero sacks and a secure pocket for Sanchez to work out of. Defensive end Mario Williams stressed the importance of their defense forcing turnovers, especially in situations like Sunday, when they're playing from behind.
“When you're down 21 points at the flip of a switch, we have to force turnovers," he said. "Once you are down by that much the entire game-plan changes. When you're playing catch-up, you need all cylinders firing. We have to get interceptions and force fumbles. We all have to pull together.”
A small positive for the Bills' secondary was the play of cornerback Terrence McGee. After his scattered appearances last season between injuries, Gailey was impressed with the reps he got on Sunday and hopes to increase his time on the field going forward.
“When you're down 21 points at the flip of a switch, we have to force turnovers," he said. "Once you are down by that much the entire game-plan changes. When you're playing catch-up, you need all cylinders firing. We have to get interceptions and force fumbles. We all have to pull together.”
A small positive for the Bills' secondary was the play of cornerback Terrence McGee. After his scattered appearances last season between injuries, Gailey was impressed with the reps he got on Sunday and hopes to increase his time on the field going forward.
His speed and experience will be needed not only on the field but as a mentor for the young squad of defensive backs on the roster, namely No. 1 pick Stephon Gilmore.
