Despite their rash of injuries, mid-season inconsistencies, and turmoil amongst the coaching staff, the Buffalo Bills are one of the most feared teams in the AFC as the regular season approaches its conclusion.
The biggest reason for that is unquestionably quarterback Josh Allen and the game-breaking ability he provides, no matter the opponent. Secondly is how well they are shaping into form. The Bills are on a three-game win streak since the bye.
Interim offensive coordinator Joe Brady has the offense rolling and the defense has found itself on a hot streak. Sure, that’s aided by playing the lowly Los Angeles Chargers, but knocking off the Kansas City Chiefs and Dallas Cowboys is no joke, regardless of their hiccups.
Now, they’re only getting healthier. Veteran defensive tackle DaQuan Jones is set to return from a pectoral injury that put his season in doubt. He’s expected to play on Sunday, in Buffalo, against the New England Patriots.
“I’m excited! Put a lot of work in to get to this point and I’m just happy that my body was able to heal as quickly as it did,” Jones said. “You know me, it feels as good as I do now, but I’m excited to be back out there with the guys and go out there and fly around and make plays and just have fun and play football.”
Head coach Sean McDermott expressed some caution with regards to Jones’ Week 17 playing time and just how much he’ll be able to handle.
Jones, however, expressed a different sentiment when talking about his week of practice.
“I feel very comfortable,” Jones said. “I have no issues, I’m confident in my ability to go out there and play at a high level.”
That high level could take the Bills to a level they’ve missed. Jones was playing at a legitimate All-Pro level at the time of his injury in Week 5’s loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars. He was Pro Football Focus’ highest-graded player on the Buffalo defense and still leads defensive tackles in pass-rush win rate. He generated 2.5 sacks and 10 tackles in the early going.
Jones -- with the blossoming of fellow interior lineman Ed Oliver -- is an exciting pairing, to say the least. The pass rush has generally performed pretty well, but the slow start of edge rusher Von Miller has tasked the rest of the unit to step up. Bills Mafia should expect them to.
“I was appreciative before, but just getting it taken away from me so abruptly, playing so well, you get a whole new love for the game,” Jones said. “I was able to kind of just fall back in love with it … kind of going through that process again and kind of just building back up, it felt great.”
Jones’ first task will be taking on a vulnerable New England offense that hasn’t gotten off the ground in 2023. A must-win game if Buffalo is going to go on to win the AFC East, Jones’ impact will be welcomed with open arms on Sunday.
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