Expectations were high for this Bills defense entering the 2020 season after finishing ranked top 3 in the NFL each of the last two years.

But through six games that unit is allowing 28 points per game, 21st in the league. Their 387.5 yards allowed per game is 23rd.

 

What You Need To Know

  • Bills defense ranks 21st in NFL in points allowed per game; 23rd in yards allowed per game

  • Sean McDermott feels Tremaine Edmunds needs to make more impactful plays

  • Tre'Davious White says Bills D searching for their identity

  • Micah Hyde feels defense "very close" to turning things around

 

I know the regression of the defense has been a troubling topic for Bills Mafia.

Don't worry, it's bothering the Bills as well.

 

 

 

 

So what's changed for that side of the ball? 

They lost the two top sack producers from 2019 to free agency, with Jordan Phillips signing with the Cardinals and Shaq Lawson the Dolphins. Lorenzo Alexander retired. But that still leaves the majority of guys back as returning starters and contributors.

Injuries have also opened more gaps. Tremaine Edmunds, Matt Milano, Tre'Davious White, Josh Norman, and Levi Wallace have all missed at least one game.

Edmunds is someone who has really found himself in the spotlight of criticism as his play has seemingly taken a drop this season after a Pro Bowl year in 2019.

Sean McDermott was asked if he needs to see more impactful plays from his middle linebacker and the Bills head coach simply answered "yes."

 

 

No one has been hiding the fact that Edmunds has been battling through a shoulder injury, even as he has returned to the field the past few weeks.

The hope is as he get healthier, his production gets better as well.

 

 

 

 

But let's be honest, the issues go far beyond just one player.

White believes that the biggest in general is the defense still searching for their identity.

 

 

We have heard players and coaches reference this week the tough stretch the Bills defense went in during the 2017 season. During a three-game losing streak weeks 9-11, the defense allowed 135 points on 1,242 total yards. A 47-10 loss to the Saints highlighted the struggles with New Orleans rushing for 298 yards.

That unit turned things around from there and we all know the Bills ended that season by breaking the 17-year playoff drought.

Micah Hyde senses that the Bills defense is very close to getting back to the level of play most expected. 

 

 

It should help that they will face the Jets Sunday, who they had their best game this season against week one. New York was held to 17 points on 254 yards of total offense and only 15 first downs.