On paper, the Buffalo Bills defense is supposed to be one of the best groups in the entire league this season. They have young talents at key positions, and have Pro Bowl players at each level.
Just because they have that, though, does not mean their unit is going to be elite.
In fact, recent news shows that there are legitimate concerns for the organization's unit going into the new year.
First, it was the suspensions of defensive linemen like Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi. Then, the team emphasized the defensive side of the ball in the draft with six of the nine selections being used on the group. (That might work out.)
Following the draft, an injury to free agent edge rusher Joey Bosa knocked him out until training camp.
Add it all up?
Suspensions and injuries have dominated the news cycle in Buffalo. Things won't get any easier, either. Last year, the Bills were one of the most injured teams in training camp. They were able to shrug those issues off and still made the playoffs as the second seed in the AFC.
That won't be something they can repeat for a second straight year.
With the way things are going, though, their newfound depth is going to be tested. And it is a major concern for the Bills to be in a position to trust their new defensive players right off the bat. ...
Especially against some of the top teams in the league on the offensive side of the ball.