Buffalo Bills Defense has Room for Improvement Despite 4-0 Start

Alternatively, if Buffalo opts for a more aggressive strategy to address their defensive front-seven issues, there is one clear route. They could craft a trade proposal with the Dallas Cowboys to acquire defensive tackle Mazi Smith before the trade deadline. Smith’s appeal lies in his status as a 2023 NFL first-round pick with two seasons left on his rookie contract. The drawback is that Buffalo will likely have to part with draft capital to secure Smith, and there is no certainty he will fit seamlessly into the Bills’ defensive system. Additionally, when their currently sidelined defensive lineman returns, the Bills must plan how to integrate Smith into the rotation.

Solution #3:  Blitz More on 1st and 2nd Down

Another way to strengthen their run defense is for the Bills’ defensive coordinator Bobby Babich to refine the defensive strategy. If the Bills take a proactive approach, they can implement distinctive run blitz packages each week on first and second down. Effective run blitzes will force offenses into more third-and-long situations, allowing the Bills to leverage their strong pass defense for stops. However, frequent run blitzes carry the risk that if unsuccessful, opposing teams might exploit this aggression with play-action passes. The Bills should blitz without overcommitting defensive backs to the box.

Solution #4:  Start Fast on Offense

The Bills’ answer to their struggling run defense may be found on offense. While Buffalo struggles to stop the run, its offense is among the best in the league. If Buffalo scores early and forces opponents off the field quickly, teams like the New England Patriots will struggle to stick to their run game. That would force a young quarterback like Drake Maye to take more risks, which would likely lead to more mistakes. As long as Buffalo builds an early lead and pressures opponents’ offenses, the impact of their opponents’ run game can be limited.

Solution #5:  Buffalo Must Force More Turnovers

All of these strategies must be combined with the Bills’ ability to force turnovers.  For the last two seasons, Buffalo has excelled at taking the ball away from their opponents.  And that has been a big part of the Bills’ 4-0 start, including Ed Oliver forcing Ravens running back Derrick Henry to fumble the ball in the fourth quarter.  Or the Bills’ pass defense being opportunistic and intercepting passes to end their opponents’ drives.  Forcing turnovers tends to be contagious; therefore, if Buffalo can be more proactive in forcing turnovers early in the game, it can make it difficult for their opponents to commit to using their run game.

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