A former fan favorite of the Seahawks talks brutally candidly about his time as a Bills player

admin | December 3, 2023 | Other Clubs | No Comments

Although supporters had high hopes that the Seattle Seahawks would reallocate funds and find a means to bring back defensive tackle Ponna Ford in the offseason, Ford left to sign with the Buffalo Bills.

The 5-foot-11, 310-pound player, though, chose not to move for more money. “Ford turned down more money elsewhere to try to win a ring in Buffalo,” NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero wrote following the quarterback’s one-year, $2.25 million contract signing.

Regretfully, Ford’s situation in Orchard Park is not favorable. “For me, it’s just been strange,” he said to The Buffalo News. “I didn’t come here expecting this… I believed I could make a difference and support this squad to victory.

Ford has experienced seven healthy scratches. Despite the Bills defensive line suffering multiple injuries, he has played in five games with just seven tackles and one QB hit. About not playing, he remarked, “It makes me feel a lot of things.” “It makes me feel a lot of different things, but I won’t go into details.”

The 28-year-old doesn’t understand why he isn’t getting dressed. “I am at ease with the plan,” he declared. It’s not like I actually know the answers to these queries. I have no control over it. I am familiar with my plays. When it comes to the playbook and other things, I know what I need to do.

“I suppose I’m playing—or not—if I walk into the locker room and see my jersey or my pads,” Ford said. Well, it’s a little difficult. I basically simply talk to my family all the time and pray because of this. merely seeking a response. I’m not sure. We’ll see.

Bills Coach Said There’s ‘Disappointment’ Poona Ford Wasn’t Playing

When asked why Ford wasn’t playing, Bills defensive line coach Eric Washington responded in an October interview with media.

Washington stated, “Poona is a highly valued member of the defense and position group.” “His talent level is well-regarded. He was a sought-after free agent for us for a reason, and he hasn’t done anything to lessen that, in my opinion. He and I talk about when those opportunities will come around once a week.

“He possesses a distinct skill set; all he needs to do is keep moving forward to ensure that you stay at the highest level of preparedness. When it’s your chance once more, put yourself out there and give it your all. Poona works really hard throughout practice. He’s quite good in the conference room.

“Yes, there is disappointment. Rivals desire to be there on the field. Not everyone will have that chance every week, according to the data. However, his level of professionalism, his outlook, his practice effort, and all the preparation he puts in each week have been exceptional.

The Bills signed defensive tackle Linval Joseph last month, and he joined Tim Settle, Ed Oliver, and Jordan Phillips in the starting lineup right away. However, given how poorly Phillips and Settle have been performing—obtaining overall evaluations from Pro Football Focus of 52.0 and 38.6, respectively—it is confusing to Buffalo fans and analysts that Ford hasn’t been given a shot.

While he hasn’t forgotten about Ford, Bills head coach Sean McDermott implied that he wasn’t doing enough. McDermott stated, “Poona has been here with us since the spring.” “Poona has had the opportunity to play, and we assess that as well as who gets the jerseys for game day every week.”

Poona Ford Said the Bills’ Defensive Scheme Drew Him to Buffalo

After the Seahawks switched to a 4-3 defense the previous season, Ford played in 642 snaps total and had an overall grade of 56.2 from Pro Football Focus. Ford only totaled 35 tackles, but he did earn a career-high three sacks.

Ford played 793 snaps overall in 2021 while playing a 3-4 defensive front, which is what the Bills use. He had an overall grade of 73.0. In all, he recorded 53 tackles, including two sacks.

Regarding joining the Bills, he stated, “The defense scheme is really what made me come here,” according to SI.

After the 2022 NFL season ended, Pete Carroll, the head coach of the Seahawks, acknowledged that he had abused Ford. According to a post by Gregg Bell of The News Tribune, Carroll stated, “He likes Ford over the center at nose tackle.” He was used more frequently outside as a 3-technique and even a 5-technique. ‘I believe we exhausted him.’

In April, Carroll expressed to reporters his “love” to see Ford returned. Perhaps Ford will return to Seattle this offseason if he still feels that way.