Buffalo Bills- PPG 18.3, Sacks 54 4th

The Buffalo Bills limited their opponents to 18.3 points per game, which was the fourth lowest of 2023. They also recorded 54 sacks, which was fourth most in the NFL… there is that ‘coincidence’ again. They had another stellar season and they did so despite numerous injuries to their defense. 

Sean McDermott is a great defensive minded coach, and he was able to maneuver through injuries. He made backup players look like pro bowlers and improved his secondary with different schemes on a per game basis. 

The combination of veterans and players on the rookie contract was a nice combination for them last year. There could be a setback this year, as the Bills have lost veteran players on both sides of the ball.

2024 Expectations:

Bills Mafia should not have lofty expectations for their defense in 2024. A repeat as fourth is dreaming, and a top ten finish would be better than expected. Their secondary is in a state of shuffle and Coach McDermott is still bringing in safeties to replace the All-Pro tandem that was Jordan Poyer and Micah Hyde.

In addition to a weakened secondary their pass rush is less than stellar. Although not bad, Greg Rousseau and AJ Epenesa have not delivered on their high draft stock of 1st and 2nd round picks. Von Miller has not played a full season since 2018, and did not record one sack in 12 games last year. 

There are a few bright spots though, including two great IDPs. 

BEST FF IDPs: In Order of Ranking

LB Matt Milano
DB Rasul Douglas

DL Greg Rousseau

Matt Milano is a staple in this defense, but was out almost all of last year. The 2022 first team All-Pro will be needed for coverage and pass rush, which he is capable of doing. In his young career he has 10 interceptions and 10.5 sacks, rare air in the NFL world. He should be back to pro bowl form in a defense where he is needed and his draft stock has fallen. Snag him late as a true 3 down linebacker.

Rasul Douglas started the 2023 season with the Green Bay Packers and ended up with the Buffalo Bills. In nine games he recorded 29 tackles, 8 passes defended, 4 interceptions, 1 sack, and 1 touchdown. He should improve his play as he is more familiar with the playbook, and steps up in the absence of two All-Pros.

Greg Rousseau will be expected to step up in his fourth season. He had only 5 sacks in 16 games played last year, and will need to earn more than his career high of 8 in 2022. Pass rush will need to help a young secondary and Rousseau is coming up on a contract year. 

Ed Oliver is a better talent on the defensive line, and Terrel Bernard is on everyone’s radar after a great performance last year. But Greg Rousseau should outscore Oliver, and Matt Milano should outscore Bernard. Bernard is still worth a draft pick but Milano, Douglas, Rousseau are worth drafting beforehand.

Tomorrow the Dallas Cowboys.
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