Buffalo Bills' Recent Defensive Struggles are Just Beginning

The Buffalo Bills (6-2) are still in first place in the NFC East, but their loss to the NY Jets, coinciding with wins from both the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots have narrowed their lead in what might be the best division in football. A big culprit is due to the Bills diminishing run […]

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Von Miller of the Buffalo Bills knocks the ball loose from quarterback, Zach Wilson of the Jets looks in the second half during a NY Jets 20-17 win over the Buffalo Bills as the two teams met in an AFC East game played at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on November 6 2022. The New York Jets Host The Buffalo Bills In An Afc East Game Played At Metlife Stadium In East Rutherford Nj On November 6 2022 Syndication The Record

The Buffalo Bills (6-2) are still in first place in the NFC East, but their loss to the NY Jets, coinciding with wins from both the Miami Dolphins and New England Patriots have narrowed their lead in what might be the best division in football.

A big culprit is due to the Bills diminishing run defense. A defense allowing over 170 yards on the ground in the last two contests.

It's only highlighted now due to the overbearing offense outscoring opponents. This causes opposing teams to abandon the run early, keeping their ground game grounded.

However, in their last two games (Green Bay and NY Jets), the Bills have given up a combined 382 yards for an insane 5.9 yards per carry. Now, the league is taking notice.

The Bills have nine games remaining in the regular season. In those contests, they will be going up against some of the best running teams in the league, best running backs in the league and others who are finally discovering a rushing attack.

  • Chicago Bears: 1st in rushing; 5.4 yards per carry. QB Justin Fields, RBs David Montgomery and Khalil Herbert.
  • Cleveland Browns: 5th in rushing; 5.0 yards per carry. RBs Nick Chubb and Kareem Hunt.
  • Detroit Lions: 6th in rushing; 5.0 yards per carry. RBs Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift.
  • New England Patriots: 13th in rushing; 4.1 yards per carry. RBs Rhamondre Stevenson and Damien Harris.
  • New York Jets: 16th in rushing; 4.6 yards per carry. RBs Michael Carter and James Robinson.
  • Cincinnati Bengals: 21st in rushing; 4.0 yards per carry. QB Joe Burrow, RBs Joe Mixon and Samaje Perine.
  • Minnesota Vikings: 25th in rushing; 4.3 yards per carry. RBs Dalvin Cook and Alexander Mattison.
  • Miami Dolphins: 27th in rushing; 3.9 yards per carry. RBs Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson.

With DL Gregory Rousseau's availability in question, this only makes the run defense all the more worrisome. The Buffalo Bills are still the favorites in the AFC, but things are starting to slip.

QB Josh Allen is banged up and opposing defenses are figuring out how to play this team. The Bills have the talent to win, but also have the ingredients for a second half of the season letdown.

Mandatory Credit: Chris Pedota part of the USA TODAY NETWORK

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