Tuesday, November 13, 2012

Bills wary of Dolphins' blitz-happy defensive backs

BY NICK ST. DENIS

The Miami Dolphins like to get everyone involved in their pass rush.

Through nine games this season, 10 different Dolphins defenders have been in on a sack, with defensive end Cameron Wake's 8.5 quarterback-takedowns leading the way.

But even Miami's cornerbacks have gotten in on the action. Cornerback Jimmy Wilson has recorded two sacks, and cornerback Nolan Carroll has one of his own.

"This is a tough defense to get ready for in a short week..." Bills coach Chan Gailey said Tuesday, via BuffaloBills.com. "They blitz secondary guys outside and they blitz secondary guys inside. They bring them from everywhere. It is a very tough defense to get ready for in a short week."

According to Pro Football Focus, defensive back Reshad Jones has participated in the pass rush 45 times and has hit opposing quarterbacks three times while hurrying them in five instances.

The Dolphins' tendency to blitz defensive backs isn't a surprise given defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle's background. Coyle spend a dozen years coaching the Cincinnati Bengals' secondary.

"They are all over the place (with) lots of different pressures," Bills coach Ryan Fitzpatrick said, according to quotes released by the team. "Third down they can get fairly exotic in what they do. ... They will throw a lot at us and it will be difficult."

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