For the second straight week Donte Whitner was lining up at free safety on defense. Though last week it was deemed a strategic move to put Bryan Scott at strong safety to match up with Antonio Gates with Whitner in centerfield, there's a growing feeling that it just might be a permanent lineup change.
Bills head coach Dick Jauron however, isn't ready to go that far.
"I think a lot of it will depend on what we want to do in that week," said Jauron when asked if Scott will remain at strong safety. "Really we feel like we have five good safeties. That's why they're on the roster. Bryan and John Wendling are big safeties by any standards. George (Wilson) we feel like we can play George any time and not miss anything and Ko (Simpson) has played very well up until his injury and he's kind of working back. So we feel lucky that we have those five guys and they all can serve different roles for us."
But Simpson practiced fully last Thursday and Friday coming off a hamstring strain and is not on the injury report this week.
Whitner confirmed that he saw a healthy amount of action at the free safety position in practice Wednesday.
"A lot of free today," said Whitner. "A lot of free. It just gives me an opportunity to make a play on some of those balls and some of those receivers coming across the middle. Just being physical and that's what I like to do, and helping the corners getting lined up. Ko (Simpson) was out there today and Bryan (Scott) and George (Wilson). We have a variation of guys we can put out on the field."
When asked if Whitner is now settled in at free safety as opposed to his primary position of strong safety Jauron again chose to leave his options open.
"We know he can play both, so I wouldn't say that necessarily," said Jauron. "We'll just see where that things goes."
Bryan Scott performed admirably last week in the run front and drawing the coverage assignment of Antonio Gates, who had a pedestrian four receptions for 55 yards. The Bills chose to use the 225-pound Scott to pound on the big, athletic tight end. Being a former college cornerback, Scott was also able to run with Gates and keep him from making big plays. His longest reception was 19 yards.
Whitner, who also played in the slot in Buffalo's nickel package last week with Ashton Youboty injured (foot), admitted he wouldn't mind seeing things line up the same way again.
"I would like it to continue, I think it's going to continue," said Whitner. "Everything that we've done in practice shows that we still have some of those variations with me playing nickel and going back to free safety. We have a lot of things that we can do. Whatever coach wants me to do, whether it's nickel or free I'll do it."
