BY DAN BEGNOCHE
As the saying goes, with age comes wisdom. For defensive coordinator Dave Wannstedt's new 4-3 scheme, however, age could spell worry for the Bills' defense.
Buffalo gave its 'D' a huge shot in the arm with the signings of linemen Mark Anderson and Mario Williams early in free agency. Anderson amassed 10 sacks last year, including two forced fumbles. Williams, in only five games, tallied five sacks and a forced fumble of his own.
Sacks are something the Bills need in 2012, finishing near the bottom of the league last year in that department. Additionally, Buffalo may need to start looking for some young backups for its aging defensive lineup.
As it stands now, the Bills have arguably the best defensive line in the AFC, consisting of Williams, Anderson, Kyle Williams and Marcell Dareus. Out of the four, however, Dareus is the only one under 27. In fact, Dareus, safety Jairus Byrd and linebacker Kelvin Sheppard are the only tenative starters under 27. The other two projected linebackers, Nick Barnett and Kirk Morrison, are 31 and 30, respectively. The defensive backfield includes Terrence McGee, Drayton Florence and George Wilson, who will all be 31 this year. Safety Bryan Scott will also be 31.
Buffalo's older starters were productive last season. Wilson was fifth in the AFC in combined tackles among defensive backs and fifth in interceptions. Barnett was second among linebackers in interceptions in the AFC behind the Jets' David Harris. He also finished fourth in combined tackles and sixth in pass deflections.
Obviously, the starting roster is subject to change prior to opening day, especially given what happens in the draft and and in preseason workouts. Many of the younger players such as Torell Troup and Justin Rogers have shown promise, but many of the other next-in-line guys, namely Chris Kelsay (who will see a lot of time) and Dwan Edwards, are aging as well, or inconsistent due to injury (Shawne Merriman).
It can only help the cause that the Bills will face all eight of the eight worst-ranked offenses from 2011 this season, and that all four teams that gave up at least 50 sacks in '11 are on the Bills' schedule this year.
Buffalo seems likely to improve at the offensive line position and at wide receiver in the early rounds of the draft, but the real surprise may be what it decides to do with the rest of its picks. The Bills have already proven they make the most of their late-round picks, and if it can add a couple of instant starters to its veteran crew, Buffalo may boast a much more dangerous defense than it gets credit for.
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