Rex Ryan has been a lightning rod for criticism over the last few years, and things have been no different since joining the Buffalo Bills. The front office brought Ryan in as part of its continued effort to win now, but the team's league-high postseason drought will instead extend to 16 years. So was Ryan the right hire?
Has Rex Ryan been good for the Buffalo Bills?
Arun Srinivasan: Rex Ryan is proving to be a great long-term fit for the Buffalo Bills, a marked improvement over Doug Marrone. Ryan ought to be credited for solving the team's woes at quarterback by unveiling Tyrod Taylor, and for his development of rookie standouts Ronald Darby and John Miller.
Gino Bottero: Rex is a defensive coach, and that's an area where the Bills have taken a big step back this season. A unit that ranked inside the top-5 in scoring and total defense a year ago now sits in the middle of the pack.
Srinivasan: Admittedly, Ryan’s misuse of the team’s once-prolific front seven is an area of slight concern. However, the Bills have been without All-Pro defensive tackle Kyle Williams and safety Aaron Williams for the majority of the season. Regardless, Ryan helped turn Stephon Gilmore into a lockdown corner alongside rookie star Darby, who's been a revelation.
Bottero: The Bills have taken on Ryan's persona, starting with his decision to bring in IK Enemkpali. Buffalo plays undisciplined football, leading the league in penalty yardage. The team needs a steadier influence, not a coach that jumps around after a November win against his former team.
Srinivasan: It would be unwise to abandon course for merely a lack of discipline, as opposed to schematic flaws. Jerry Hughes has been the primary undisciplined culprit, and will need to be addressed. It's hard to fault Ryan for losses to the Patriots (x2), Bengals, Chiefs, Giants and Eagles, all of whom are in playoff contention through Week 15.
Bottero: A year ago, the Bills entered December having sacked opposing quarterbacks 48 times. At the same point this year, that number was down to 16, so the schematic change to a 3-4 defense has been an issue. Great coaches scheme to put their team's strengths on display, not the other way around.
Srinivasan: Dropping Mario Williams into coverage is certainly a valid criticism, as evidenced by his paltry 4.5 sacks. However, Ryan's Bills rank 14th in total offense and 13th in scoring offense, whereas last year they ranked 26th in total offense and 18th in scoring. The Bills were supposed to be doomed at quarterback, and Ryan unearthed a viable long-term option in Taylor.
Bottero: The Bills are stuck in a vicious cycle of mediocrity that can only end when the front office accepts its fate and opts to shift its focus to the future. Rex isn't the guy to have around for that, unless .500 is where the Bills want to stay.
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