After the Buffalo Bills’ dominant performance over Aaron Rodgers and the New York Jets, there was a lot of celebration. The defense recorded three takeaways, four sacks — including a safety — and chased Rodgers off the field, enjoying a 40-0 lead into the fourth quarter.
It was a much-needed boost for a defense that had struggled in recent weeks, allowing 107 points, 1,357 yards, and 86 first downs in its last three games.
While the 40-14 win helped Buffalo (13-3) secure the AFC’s No. 2 seed, questions remain about how the defense will perform against stronger teams in the playoffs. The big question is whether the offense, led by Josh Allen, can compensate for the defense’s weaknesses by outscoring opponents.
“These past couple of weeks we’ve been doubted,” said A.J. Epenesa, who had the safety. “Just responding. We know what caliber defense we can be.”
However, dominating a struggling Rodgers and a Jets team in disarray is different from facing quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Lamar Jackson, and Justin Herbert, which will be a much tougher challenge.
Buffalo’s defense ranks 11th in the NFL, allowing an average of 21.6 points per game, and the team is 5-3 when giving up 21 or more points.
They are also 21st in yards allowed but have forced 31 turnovers, tied for the NFL lead, to help them get off the field.
“It was good to see our defense balling. We were hitting on all cylinders,” said cornerback Taron Johnson. “We keep that up, we can do something special.”
However, looking at the Bills’ losses to Baltimore, Houston, and the Los Angeles Rams, their defense allowed over 400 yards in each game, and the turnover differential was only plus-1. The losses were also the only times this season the Bills trailed by 10 or more at halftime.
On the flip side, Buffalo is undefeated when leading at halftime (9-0) and has a 7-1 record when scoring on their opening drive. This highlights the importance of fast starts, as seen in their 48-42 win over Detroit on Dec. 15, where the defense forced two quick punts, and the offense scored three touchdowns early.
The question of whether the defense can step up in the playoffs is nothing new. In the last four playoff seasons, the Bills have been eliminated three times by Kansas City and once by Cincinnati, giving up an average of 441 yards and forcing only two takeaways in those games.
Injuries and youth have contributed to the defensive inconsistencies this year, but the good news is that the unit is approaching its healthiest state as they head into the playoffs.
Coach Sean McDermott also has the chance to rest many starters in the season finale against New England.
