ORCHARD PARK – If anyone was wondering what Sean McDermott thought of his first defensive unit as Buffalo’s head coach in 2017, we’re finding out in the first two days of free agency.
The Bills’ run defense gave up at least 146 yards in eight games counting the playoff loss to Jacksonville, which led to an NFL ranking of 29th, and the pass rush managed only 27 sacks which was 31st in sacks per pass attempt. Those numbers speak for themselves, and McDermott knew the front seven needed an overhaul in the offseason.
So, it’s no surprise that that’s where McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane have attacked in free agency, and they have made sizable strides with the signing of defensive tackles Star Lotulelei and Kyle Williams, and defensive end Trent Murphy.
Williams, of course, is back for a 13th season in Buffalo, and now he has new partners on either side of him to join forces with another holdover, Jerry Hughes.
Lotulelei figures to fill the role vacated when Marcell Dareus was traded to Jacksonville in October, that of a blocker-occupying space-eater who will make it a little easier for the linebackers to avoid having to deal with blockers and flow to the ball.
Murphy is a lithe, long 6-foot-5, 265-pound edge rusher who, prior to missing all of 2017 with a knee injury, recorded nine sacks and 55 quarterback pressures during the 2016 season with Washington.
Together, the two newcomers should provide help in the two key areas, Lotulelei against the run, Murphy against the pass.
“If doing what I do helps others be great at what they do, then fine,” said the soft-spoken Lotulelei. “I was part of a front that had some real good players at Carolina, so I helped them, but at the same time they helped me and I think that’s what will go on here. My role is whatever the defense needs me to do. Just come in and work to get wins.”
Lotulelei acknowledged the obvious; that part of the reason he chose to sign with Buffalo was because of McDermott and Beane, both of whom were instrumental in his being drafted in the first round by the Panthers in 2013.
“As far as being familiar, coach McDermott was part of the organization in Carolina when I was drafted, so I know him and Brandon Beane,” he said. “Mostly just being familiar with the defensive scheme, not having to go to a different team and going through a whole new playbook.”
Lotulelei also said the chance to play with Williams was enticing, and he’s looking forward to getting into the trenches next to a warrior like Buffalo’s 13-year veteran.
“I had an opportunity to play with some great players in Carolina, so to come here and be a part of this defensive line, it’s exciting for me,” he said. “Kyle Williams, I’ve been a big fan, so I can come in here and learn from him. I know he’s a heck of a player, he’s got great versatility, he’s got great athleticism. From what I hear he’s a great leader, great locker room presence, everything you’d want out of one of your veteran leaders.”
Murphy knows of Williams, too, but what he really liked when he showed up at the Bills’ facility Thursday was the atmosphere in the building.
“From that standpoint, you can’t help but be salivating knowing who you’re working with,” he said. “Their work ethic, knowing that’s the expectation, these guys are going to want to work. As an individual you want to push yourself and you want guys to push you, that’s what it’s all about.”
Murphy is coming off a year of inactivity due to a knee injury he suffered on the sixth play of Washington’s first preseason game last summer. He won’t be full go yet when the Bills begin off-season workouts in April, but he’s on track for training camp, and that was part of the reason why the Bills jumped to sign him.
“They expressed the most interest, and I looked into who the Bills are, an opportunity at the playoffs, and what they’re trying to build here,” he said of his decision to agree to come to Buffalo. “I was super excited to join the team, I thought it was a perfect fit for me. What coach is looking for is blue-collar guys, guys that are passionate, trying to build a culture of winning, playing together and winning.”
Murphy said the way McDermott explained his role was pretty simple; he wants playmakers up front who will create havoc for the opposing offense, and that’s exactly the player Murphy was in 2016.
“I think their biggest goal is to bring guys in and help the guys here be more disruptive, disrupt the passer in the backfield,” he said. “When you can get after the quarterback, stop the run, you’re talking about winning games from that standpoint. In the scheme that he wants, I’m excited about competing for a job.”
About that 2016 season, some have wondered whether Murphy was a one-hit wonder because in 2014 and 2015, he wasn’t much of a difference-maker. People can wonder all they want, but it won’t matter to Murphy.
“I’m the type of player that always has a chip on my shoulder, it’s how I play and how I play better,” he said. “After 2016, people were saying it could be a fluke, so I was humming in training camp (last year) and I was heartbroken that I had an injury. With the foundation I laid down, rolling this off-season, I couldn’t be more excited to prove who I am. It’s just more motivation to grind it out and have a great off-season. I just want to compete and find a way on the field, help the team win at the end of the day.”
MAIORANA@Gannett.com
