Bills need defensive line depth to step up with Von Miller out

The Bills, who are looking for their first divisional win, are banged up going into Thursday night's game against the Patriots. 

On Nov. 24 against the Lions, OLB Von Miller was carted off the field with a knee injury and landed on IR. 

Losing their best pass rusher is a big deal. Miller has a team-leading 27 QB pressures, per Pro Football Reference, more than double their second-best rusher, Ed Oliver, who has 13.

The Bills have dealt with injuries to their secondary dating to last season.

Losing defensive backs Tre'Davious White and Micah Hyde hurts, but Buffalo has a knack for having replacement-level defensive backs play competently. Former Bills corner Levi Wallace was an undrafted free agent and subpar athlete and started 52 games for the Buffalo without major issues. 

It's arguably harder to replace injuries to the defensive line. 

General manager Brandon Beane clearly values this unit, per his words and actions.

Buffalo recently spent two first- and second-round picks across their young core of Ed Oliver, Gregory Rousseau, A.J. Epenesa and Carlos Basham Jr., in addition to the big money they gave Miller in the offseason.

Buffalo blitzes the 10th-fewest times in the league per dropback (20.6%), according to Pro Football Reference. So it's especially important for the front four to generate pressure in Miller's absence.

Rousseau hasn't played since Week 9 and looks to get back on track Thursday night. Shaq Lawson could help, too.