Bill's defense is strong despite injuries

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Dealing with serious defensive injuries is nothing new for the Buffalo Bills — the last few years have been littered with them.

The start of the 2024 season was no different. During training camp, the Bills lost linebacker Matt Milano for at least a few months to a torn biceps, just as he was recovering from last season's right leg injury that ended his season in October.

Nickel corner Taron Johnson — a 2023 second-team All-Pro — suffered a forearm injury on the first drive of the team's Week 1 win over the Arizona Cardinals. Middle linebacker Terrel Bernard suffered a chest injury in the first half of the Week 2 win over the Miami Dolphins. Both will miss at least week 3-4.

Despite being without three key contributors, the Bills defense did its job, holding its last two opponents to 10 points in each game and allowing just 4.4 net yards per pass attempt and 4.2 yards per play, respectively – both the second fewest in any game in the league under new defensive coordinator Bobby Babich.

The unit was supported by strong offensive performance – led by quarterback Josh Allen, who statistically had the best three-game stretch of his career. And coaches and players emphasize that the encounters and extra work from players lower down the rankings are having an impact. While the defense has strengthened ahead of Sunday's game against the Baltimore Ravens (8:20 ET, NBC/Peacock), it faces a significant test against the Ravens' offense with quarterback Lamar Jackson and running back Derrick Henry leading in rushing yards Second are per game (203.3).

“I think the defensive coaching staff has done a really good job under Bobby’s leadership. They’ve progressed really well,” Bills coach Sean McDermott said. “They have done a good job of designing game plans that showcase our strengths. … Then the players themselves took responsibility: 'Hey, this is my chance to step up for the team,' and are ready to do it.” And then the players who were already in the starting lineup raise their game gradually to a new level.

Here's what stood out in the Bills' defense.

Defensive line

Next to cornerback, the defensive line is one of the healthier areas of the defense.

As expected, the Bills received a high level of play from a variety of players, including defensive tackles Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones. Von Miller's play has been positive – he has three sacks in three games and is now almost two years removed from a serious ACL injury.

Seven players have sacks this year – 11 total, tied for fifth. Greg Rousseau has five.

Linebackers

With Milano out, attention turned to 2023 third-round pick Dorian Williams and the steps forward he could make with the 2022 first-team All-Pro's departure. He leads the team with 30 tackles and has shown improvement in the early stages of the season. With Bernard missing time, 2022 seventh-round pick Baylon Spector is making his first career start. Coming into the game for the Dolphins game, he was well represented – he tied for the team high with 10 tackles, including a tackle for loss, but will be a key player to keep an eye on against Lamar Jackson and the Ravens .

“We have a more athletic type of linebacker. There are no longer the 1.90 meter tall, 110 kilogram linebackers like they used to be. The guy we have, we want fast guys,” Miller said. “…They don't make the same mistake twice, and they are able to learn from their mistakes, and in turn, they are able to just develop their talent and keep getting better and better. really quick way.

Defensive backs

The outside cornerback position is locked in for the Bills with Rasul Douglas and Christian Benford, who are off to an impressive start to the year after appearing in camp. Safeties Taylor Rapp and Damar Hamlin were solid overall – Hamlin had his first career interception against the Jaguars in Week 3. The Bills are the only team that hasn't given up a play of over 30 yards.

Johnson's injury has led to versatile defensive back Cam Lewis taking over the starting position, while Ja'Marcus Ingram has thrived in the dime package. Lewis will be tested in the nickel role, helping in run support against Baltimore.

“I knew Cam was special when I got here last year,” Rapp said. “Just the versatility that he has, and even Ja’Marcus, man. It’s just these two guys, they’re both Swiss army knives.”

Ingram had two interceptions against the Dolphins, including a pick-six, a breakout performance and then a sack against the Jaguars. He has defended four passes in three games, the most on the team. His playing time increased with each game.

“Ja'Marcus is someone who embodies the idea of: This is how we play here, this is what I have to do to make sure I can carve out a role or a niche, and he's done a great job of that.” said Babich. “A big thing for us is trust, and he’s a guy we can trust. He's a guy that we know what his intentions are on every play, and really, when you can put a guy on the field and say, 'Hey, I trust.' “This guy, you can lay your head down at night no matter what the outcome.”