http://www.nfl.com/teams/story/BUF/8891502<div class='quotetop'>QUOTE </div><div class='quotemain'>ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (Sept. 25, 2005) -- Buffalo 's defense was dealt a huge blow when linebacker Takeo Spikes injured his right Achilles in the Bills 24-16 loss to the Atlanta Falcons.Following the game, coach Mike Mularkey wouldn't speculate on the extent of the injury, saying he'll know more Monday. If the Achilles is torn, it is a season-ending situation."That could be devastating," safety Troy Vincent said. "He's the pulse. I don't know how bad it is, but it could be devastating."Spikes, an eight-year veteran and two-time Pro Bowl selection in his third season with the Bills, was hurt in the second quarter when he was pressuring Atlanta quarterback Michael Vick deep in the Falcons' end. He lay on the field face-down for a few minutes and then slammed his helmet to the ground in frustration after he rolled over. He required help getting to the sideline, unable to place much weight on his right foot, and appeared to be in tears when he was carted off the field.Angelo Crowell replaced Spikes."It means someone on our defense is going to have to step up, and the defense as a whole has to step up," linebacker Jeff Posey said. "He means a lot to this defense, and is one of the leaders of this team."Spikes' absence helped contribute to Buffalo's problem containing quarterback Vick and the rest of the Atlanta offensive attack Sunday. Overall, the Falcons gained 403 yards, including 236 on the ground.The Bills' defense is already a banged-up unit. Linebacker London Fletcher is being hampered by a hamstring injury, and safety Lawyer Milloy is playing with a protective cast on his right thumb, which he broke in Buffalo's 19-3 loss at Tampa Bay last weekend."For me, personally, I'm out there with one arm already," Milloy said. "Now I lose somebody I depend on. But this is the NFL, and we expect the person that's behind him to be ready."Spikes has proven to be a durable player, having missed only one game -- and that was to attend his father's funeral in 2001, when he was with Cincinnati.Buffalo was also without starting right tackle Mike Williams, who twisted his left ankle against Tampa Bay.Converted guard Greg Jerman started in Williams' place. Jerman signed with Buffalo last May after appearing in 11 games, including one start, in three seasons with Miami.</div>I just saw this on ESPN and read more into it. This is going to be a BIG decline for the Bills' defense.
ouch that is a HUGE blow to their defenseI really dont see them having a good season this year, next year definately because JP will be more seasoned and will know how to lead his teamthis year is a practice year for the future, Bills can kiss their playoff hopes goodbye now
