Since Sean McDermott took over as head coach in 2017, the Buffalo Bills defense has consistently ranked among the NFL’s elite, frequently placing near the top in total defense and points allowed. Despite undergoing changes in the 2024 offseason, including the departure of key players like Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, and Tre’Davious White, who had been mainstays since 2017, the Bills retain core players like Matt Milano, Greg Rousseau, and Taron Johnson.
However, some observers express concern about the departures and rank the Bills’ defense as low as 17th in the league. They cite the need for emerging talent like Cole Bishop and a return to form for veteran Von Miller to exceed expectations.
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While acknowledging the turnover and potential challenges, it’s argued that ranking the Bills’ defense so low is harsh. Historical data show that Buffalo has performed well even when missing key players due to injury. Coach McDermott has a track record of developing defensive talent, as evidenced by past successes with players now causing concern. Furthermore, the replacements for departed starters, like Rasul Douglas and Taylor Rapp, have experience within the team’s system.
While the departure of key players could impact the unit, prematurely dismissing the Bills’ defense as inferior seems unwarranted. With nine returning starters and McDermott’s coaching prowess, ranking them among the league’s worst defenses appears unjustified, especially considering their consistent performance in recent years.
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