Improved defensive line play helped Buffalo turn in a good defensive performance.
The Buffalo Bills were dominant in a 40-14 victory over the New York Jets. Buffalo’s defense posted a shutout for three quarters and then brought in backups during the fourth quarter.
The Bills’ defense got some players back from injury and turned in one of their best defensive performances of the season. Leading the way was the defensive line, which set the tone for the game and made life miserable for Aaron Rodgers and company. Solid play in the run game, sacks, ad safety, and a big man interception highlighted the day.
Let’s take a look at how they got it done!
Play 1
The Bills blitzed both linebackers and dropped defensive end Greg Rousseau into coverage. The initial surge by the defensive tackles was impressive and the second wave of the blitz forced Rodgers out of the pocket. Rousseau dropping into coverage left the Jets guessing along the offensive line, as they had a lineman out in space blocking no one. Ultimately this pressure forced an incompletion.
Play 2
Greg Rousseau only needed one step to beat the offensive tackle to the inside and give himself the leverage he needed to make this tackle at the line of scrimmage.
Play 3
Another nice play by Greg Rousseau. He was blocked by two different people, but he fought to maintain his outside leverage on this toss play. Tossing defenders to the ground and disengaging at the point of attack allowed him to get in on the tackle to stop this run for minimal gain.
Play 4
Defensive tackles Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones both were double-teamed here, but they did a solid job of holding up and not giving any ground. Oliver swallowed up two blockers to free up his linebackers. Jones was knocked off his spot just slightly but did a nice job of anchoring, dropping to a knee, and getting back into the play. Jones got just enough of the lineman trying to work his way to the second level that linebacker Matt Milano was able to easily get around the block and be the first to the tackle.
Play 5
Big man interception! How fun was this play?! It was awesome to see fan-favorite defensive tackle Jordan Phillips get an interception. Once again: Greg Rousseau making plays. This time a tipped pass of Rodgers.
Play 6
Dawuane Smoot executed a dip-and-rip move here to almost get the ball carrier down for a safety.
Play 7
The Bills’ blitz bluff fooled Rodgers and the protection on this play. The two linebackers bluffing up the middle had the Jets allocating too many blockers inside, leaving defensive end A.J. Epenesa untouched on the edge. He wasted no time getting to Rodgers and sacking him for the safety.
Play 8
Epenesa took the game to the Jets’ offense on this play. Instead of waiting for the blocker to get to him, he blew it up and made the tackle in the backfield. Well done!
Play 9
Look at the wheels on Ed Oliver here! He instantly recognized the stretch play and beat his man down the line of scrimmage to make the tackle. Oliver looked good against the Jets.
Play 10
Rousseau has one more year left on his contract after the Bills picked up his fifth-year option, but he’s about to sign a big contract soon. I think Rousseau is one of the most underrated defensive ends in the NFL, and he’s playing at a high level for the Buffalo.
Play 11
Edge rusher Von Miller pulled the red cape on the Jets offensive tackle here. It’s great to see Miller making a play like this heading into the playoffs.
Play 12
Miller with another impressive play. His long-arm pass-rush move proved too much for number 67. Perfect hand placement from his right arm started the process, and then notice his left hand grabbing the tackle’s hand to seal the deal. It may not seem like a big deal, but gaining control of that other hand from the tackle prevents “67” from being able to hold or regain any balance. This type of play is what the Bills need from Miller in the playoffs.
Play 13
Oliver joined the sack party on this play with a powerful stutter, and then dip-and-rip move. When Oliver wants to be a dominant force, he certainly can be a game changer.
In Summary
The Buffalo Bills’ defense needed a “get right” game heading into the playoffs, and this certainly was that. Even thought the New York Jets aren’t an offensive juggernaut, they still have a competent offense with high-level play makers. The Bills will try to carry the defensive momentum into the playoffs.