As the temperatures drop in Orchard Park, the Buffalo Bills are heating up their roster with familiar faces to fortify them for the second half of the season. The acquisitions of defensive tackles Jordan Phillips and Quinton Jefferson, both returning for their third and second stints respectively, reflect the team’s urgency to bolster their run defense and depth.
Phillips, known for wearing a full parka under his jersey during the chilly Buffalo practices, expressed confidence that his best play comes when he dons the Bills uniform. “Mostly because I’m an acquired taste, and they like my taste, you know what I’m saying?” the 32-year-old quipped.
Reinforcing the Trenches
The signings come at a crucial juncture for the Bills, who sit atop the AFC East at 7-2 but have shown vulnerabilities against the run. In their recent win over the Miami Dolphins, they surrendered 149 rushing yards, the second-highest total they’ve allowed this season.
Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich acknowledged the need for improvement, particularly on early downs. “Maybe you are a little lighter, whatever it is in the box, whatever that structure is, that you want to go after them,” he explained. “Even when you look at the first Miami game compared to this Miami game, fundamentally, in the run game, we can be a lot better.”
Next Man Up Mentality
Injuries have hit the Bills’ receiver group hard, with Amari Cooper, Keon Coleman, Curtis Samuel, and Mack Hollins all dealing with various ailments. The availability of Cooper and Coleman, both nursing wrist injuries, looms large for the upcoming contests.
We rock with who we got. We do a good job in our offensive unit meetings and getting guys ready to go. So, whatever the case is, we’ll be prepared.
Josh Allen, Quarterback
Practice squad receivers Jalen Virgil and Tyrell Shavers could be called upon to step up if the starters can’t go. The “next man up” philosophy has been a hallmark of head coach Sean McDermott’s tenure.
Kicking Redemption
Kicker Tyler Bass, who had been struggling, delivered a franchise-record 61-yard field goal to vanquish the Dolphins. The clutch kick earned him AFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors and a vote of confidence from Coach McDermott.
“I think it just shows you what [Bass is] capable of and you’ve got to be tough-minded in order to do that and he executed,” McDermott affirmed. “The journey continues and we’re moving forward, and so is he.”
Midseason Measuring Sticks
The Bills will put their reinforced roster to the test with back-to-back AFC showdowns. First, a road date with the Indianapolis Colts and star running back Jonathan Taylor, who gashed Buffalo for 185 yards and four touchdowns in their last meeting. Then, a marquee matchup at Highmark Stadium against the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs.
We’re going to spend a lot of time this week talking about how we need to fit the run, how we need to defend the run better, and rightfully so.
Terrel Bernard, Linebacker
These tests will reveal how far the Bills’ midseason tweaks can take them. With a 99.6% chance of making the playoffs per ESPN Analytics, Buffalo is positioning itself for a deep postseason run. The returning faces and healing stars may provide the extra fuel needed to keep the Bills charging toward their ultimate goal – a long-awaited Super Bowl celebration.
