After watching us get gashed repeatedly in the preseason, I went to today thinking we'd have to score a lot of points to win. In recent days Bates had said that the defense isnt as bad as some us think...but I was still a little worried. Gotta say though, wow. They really stepped up today. They really buckled down. Originally, Buffalo was getting chunks running then we tightened up on 1st downs. This resulted in 2nd and longs and we'd put in our pass rushing DLine and for a while Buffalo tried to pass with this line in. Then eventually Buffalo tried running more on 2nd and longs and even third and longs presumably to take advantage of our pass rushers being in. This worked ok but I think we started putting our 1st down Dline in on more 2nd downs. But all in all, the defense far exceded my expectations. Granted, its week 1 and its Buffalo but its not like Buffalo has a bunch of scrubs on offense. They may not be the best but theyre not disgustingly bad. Also, I was please with the play Dre Bly made right before the half when Buffalo took a shot at the endzone. Anyway, how did you feel about the defense? Has your faith been restored...somewhat at least?
PS, someone familiar with the Dolphins or Packers said Bates was great at freeing up the guy you want in the backfield when blitzing. I now see what he was talking about. Lynch and Williams broke through big time.