Former Miami Hurricanes EDGE Greg Rousseau could finally hit an elusive mark, and Buffalo desperately needs him to reach it
The Bills’ former first round pick has had a terrific start to 2026, and it’s been crucial for a Buffalo defense that hasn’t kept opponents down on the scoreboard.
The 2026 Buffalo Bills season has certainly gotten off on the right foot. The Bills have started their first two games with wins over potential playoff teams in the Houston Texans and the Detroit Lions. Buffalo’s success has been largely due to an offense that has been productive early in the season, powered by Josh Allen, DJ Moore, and James Cook, along with some big plays from Joshua Palmer. The Bills have had no problem putting points on the board so far.
However, Buffalo’s defense has left something to be desired as a group. The Bills have allowed 31 points in each of their first two games. Granted, Houston is a playoff team from 2025, and Detroit has been one of the more explosive offenses in recent years. But it’s certainly not the start that Bills fans were looking for from their defense.
Greg Rousseau on pace to reach double-digit sacks for first time
That being said, one Bills defensive regular has been arguably one of the most important players on the entire roster early in the season: former Miami Hurricanes edge rusher Greg Rousseau. The team’s first-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft has been as impactful a defender as there’s been in the league thus far. He has 2 sacks in each of the first 2 games along with 3 forced fumbles. Both of those statistics lead the NFL in their respective categories.
It’s also could be the first time Rousseau reaches 10+ sacks in his sixth NFL season. He’s reached eight on two occasions (2022, 2024). Last year he appeared in just two games, but he still totaled four sacks.
Rousseau’s presence was felt in the Week 1 win over the Texans when he forced a C.J. Stroud fumble that Buffalo recovered to seal the win in the final seconds with Houston in the red zone. That was a game-altering play that could have saved Buffalo from a deflating defeat.
Can the Bills’ defense come together around Rousseau’s breakout?
Buffalo is going to have to communicate and execute better as a group defensively if the Bills are going to truly develop into a Super Bowl contender this year. Allowing 31 points per game through the first 2 weeks is not sustainable, regardless of the quality of opponent. The talent is there on the roster, but the cohesion and consistency need to catch up.
A breakout year from Rousseau could certainly help deliver some big moments when Buffalo needs them down the stretch. He’s already proven capable of changing games with a single play, and if he can maintain this pace, the Bills will have an impact pass rusher anchoring their front. Whether the rest of the defense can match his standard remains to be seen, but Rousseau has given Buffalo every reason for optimism through two weeks.
