The Buffalo Bills probably aren’t sweating many things after two blowout victories in a row. However, the Bills defense could be getting back two key pieces against the division-rival Miami Dolphins.
The defense stepped up big over the last two weeks, limiting both the Tennesse Titans and Seattle Seahawks to 10 points each. Tennessee’s offense has been a mixed bag in 2024, shuffling between Mason Rudolph and Will Levis under center.
Buffalo held Tennessee to 289 total yards. The Seahawks presented more of a challenge due to Geno Smith‘s passing attack. The former New York Jet leads the NFL in passing yards (2,197 yards) and attempts (308) this year.
Big man INT!
📺: @NFLonFOX pic.twitter.com/6FCtI5v7a5
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) October 27, 2024
Against Buffalo, however, Smith was limited to 212 yards, an interception, and a fumble lost. The defense held one of the league’s top passers to one of his worst games this year while only allowing 233 total yards.
Help Is On The Way for The Bills Defense in Week 9
The Return of a Former Super Bowl Winner
Veteran pass rusher Von Miller should be reinstated in Week 9 after serving a four-game suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy. Miller didn’t rack up double-digit sacks in his limited snaps before the suspension. His presence still allowed starters Greg Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa to get breaks when needed.
After his suspension, the defense had to rely more on rookies Javon Solomon and DeWayne Carter on the defensive line. Solomon has two sacks and a forced fumble in his limited snaps. Carter had seven tackles on the year before he was placed on IR before the Week 9 game against Seattle. Dawuane Smoot also saw more time.
Miller’s return will allow the defense to operate how head coach Sean McDermott initially envisioned when Miller was added to the roster. His return becomes more important as Buffalo heads into the middle portion of the schedule.
Overcoming Another Injury
Help could also be on the way for the Bills defense in the form of starting linebacker Terrel Bernard. Bernard played the first week against the Arizona Cardinals, notching 11 total tackles. He was injured in the second game against the Dolphins and missed the next two games against the Jacksonville Jaguars and Baltimore Ravens.
Bernard played the next three weeks against the Houston Texans, New York Jets, and Tennessee. Unfortunately, he missed last week’s game in Seattle. The third-year linebacker returned to practice this week, but his status for Sunday is still up in the air.
When Bernard is on the field, second-year linebacker Dorian Williams doesn’t have to be the leader. Williams handled more responsibility well enough but Bernard is better against the pass (three interceptions in 2023).
Will the Bills Defense Look the Same After the Trade Deadline?
The 2024 NFL trade deadline is next Tuesday and the Bills could look to add help to all three levels of its defense. Making a calculated move like adding Amari Cooper to the offense could have the same impact on the defense.
With two key pieces potentially returning for an important AFC East game with the rival Dolphins, Buffalo may have a better idea of which path to take at the deadline. If Miller adds a dangerous presence in his limited snaps, the Bills could turn their attention elsewhere.
Bernard has been injury-prone this year, so regardless of his return, adding another veteran linebacker may be a savvy move for the rest of the season. Whatever happens, the best version of the Bills could emerge after two potential returning defenders against the Dolphins.
Main Photo: [Tina MacIntyre-Yee/Democrat and Chronicle] – USA Today Sports
