How much of an impact Mario Williams can make on the Bills’ defense is really a good question.

Two years ago, he played on one of the worst defenses in the history of football and he was (the) signature piece. I think it’s going to take more than just Williams to greatly improve the Bills.

Williams is what we call in the NFL a “sack” guy. He’s not an instant pass rush guy. He’s not like Dwight Freeney or Robert Mathis, guys who can come off the edge and force quarterbacks to get the ball out of their hands quickly. But Williams is an impact player in terms of how he handles the entire game.

Really, it’s going to take more than Williams to go along with that defense. They need improved play from the linebackers. If the Bills can get Shawne Merriman back to (the player he was) in 2006, and that’s debatable whether or not they can, I think it gives them two pieces on the outside that can rush.

New DC Dave Wannstedt has always emphasized putting resources into the defensive line. The Bills played without DT Kyle Williams most of last season, and invested a No. 3 overall pick in DT Marcell Dareus. Williams, 27, is just a piece — an expensive piece — and he’s not going to make them a great defense tomorrow. But he’s a blue-chip player to help them start building toward the future.

– Michael Lombardi

Follow Michael Lombardi on Twitter @michaelombardi

Posted in: NFL Network  | comments  |