How two Bills players make Frazier's defense unique in the NFL
When it comes to Buffalo Bills football, it's the offense that takes up most of the headlines. However, the defense is one of the best in the NFL and will be an integral part of the team's success this season. A big reason for this is their starting set of safeties. Micah Hyde and Jordan […]
When it comes to Buffalo Bills football, it's the offense that takes up most of the headlines. However, the defense is one of the best in the NFL and will be an integral part of the team's success this season.
A big reason for this is their starting set of safeties. Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer have established themselves as one of the best units in the league. Rightfully so.
And the best part about it? Bills defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier knows exactly how to use the elite duo.
A to Z Sports Film Roomanalyst James Foster looked at the tape to provide some insight into one of the best units on the Bills.
"Leslie Frazier's defensive philosophy is centered around disguising coverages and inhibiting a quarterback's ability to read a defense," says Foster in the film breakdown below. "Before the snap, Buffalo lines up in an amorphous two-high shell but post snap they rotate the coverage into something completely different."
That same defensive structure can be found in plenty of NFL teams right now. Coaches Vic Fangio and Brandon Staley popularized the scheme and it's being used by many around the league in an effort to limit explosive plays from opponents.
What can't be replicated is the talent the Bills have.
"Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer are so versatile and interchangeable that Leslie Frazer really has the entire playbook at his disposal," points out Foster.
In the breakdown, Poyer and Hyde are shown making plays in Cover 0, Cover 1, Cover 3, and many other key variations that show how versatile the two Bills defenders make Frazier's scheme.
"The Bills have two players in their secondary at all times that can play man coverage, deep safety, and fit the run. And by making everything look the same before the snap, they can prevent quarterbacks from getting a read before the play starts."
Featured image via Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports
