When Chargers are on D vs. Bills
The Chargers were faster and more sound at defending Russell Wilson last Sunday than against several other elusive quarterbacks in 2012-’13. The gains stemmed from an improved plan, said Eric Weddle, along with crisp practices, talent upgrades and more experience versus the zone-read.
Bills quarterback EJ Manuel is a dangerous runner, too, though far less polished than Wilson and not as quick or elusive. Manuel, slowed by three knee injuries as a rookie, is moving better this year and getting rid of the ball sooner. In victories over Chicago and Miami, he drew defenders to him on mini-scrambles and passed for big gains.
Buffalo’s passing design is simple, but a potent ground game sets up play-action passes. Quick passes to any of three physical receivers serve as extended handoffs. Manuel’s completion rate is 66.7 percent, up from last year’s 55.8.
“You can see how Coach (Doug) Marrone is really managing the game with him,” defensive coordinator John Pagano said.
The Chargers expect to have edge-setting linebacker Jarret Johnson, who didn’t play against Seattle. Protecting Manuel, the Bills may divert an extra blocker to Dwight Freeney -- disruptive in both games -- with fellow edge rusher Melvin Ingram out and Ingram’s backup, rookie Jerry Attaochu, listed as questionable.
Weddle and Reggie Walker may reprise a spy role that worked against Seattle’s Wilson, while the secondary will try to sustain its improved tackling.
Burying the Super Bowl champions last Sunday, Pagano’s defense looked fresh at game’s end. Defenders were no doubt aided by their offense’s ball-control dominance but also showed improved depth. Pagano even spelled a healthy Donald Butler, signed to a $51.8 million contract in March, on a few third downs.
“The best thing for us always defensively,” Pagano said, “is making sure we’re always fresh and that we have 11 guys on the field at all times that can run and go tackle the football.”
Where the Chargers must improve is in the red zone, where both the Cardinals and Seahawks converted their only two chances into touchdowns.
