How the Buffalo Bills' weakened defense survives and thrives

Before the 2024 NFL season began, the Buffalo Bills knew they would be dealing with changes on the defensive side of the ball, as the team lost cornerback Tre'Davious White, safety Jordan Poyer and defensive end Leonard Floyd in free agency, while safety Micah Hyde retired from football.

That was before the Bills lost All-Pro linebacker Matt Milano (torn biceps in the summer), All-Pro nickel cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm, first drive of the year) and middle linebacker Terrel Bernard (pectoral muscle in the first half of the week). 2) an injury early in the season.

Despite all of these injuries and the addition of new faces, head coach Sean McDermott and defensive coordinator Bobby Babich have built a strong defense that has stood in the way of opponents en route to a 3-0 start.

Today's Buffalo Rumblinks looks at how Buffalo's defense is surviving and thriving for three weeks despite a series of injuries.

How Buffalo's weakened defense survives and thrives

Overcoming an injury-deficient roster is nothing new for the Bills, as key players like Matt Milano, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones, cornerback Tre'Davious White and edge rusher Von Miller have suffered serious injuries in recent years.

But despite missing the services of key players like Taron Johnson, Matt Milano and Terrel Bernard, Buffalo's defense held its own this year, limiting the Miami Dolphins and Jacksonville Jaguars to 10 points each while allowing the second-fewest net yards per game allowed pass attempts (4.4) and net yards per play (4.2).

Read below to find out how the Bills turned a mash unit into a top-notch defense once again and how Buffalo was able to thrive despite missing so many talented players due to injury.

QB Josh Allen is named AFC Offensive Player of the Week

After leading the Bills to touchdowns on their first five possessions and completing 23 of 30 passes for 263 yards and four touchdowns (while adding 44 rushing yards on seven carries), Josh Allen defeated the Jacksonville Jaguars Zum 47-10 on Monday night Named AFC Offensive Player of the Week for the 13th time in his career.

Bills promote OL Will Clapp

Veteran offensive lineman Will Clap was promoted to Buffalo's 53-man roster, while in a corresponding move, rookie OL Tylan Grable was placed on injured reserve.

More Bills news

While he is already out for Sunday night's game against the Baltimore Ravens, Terrel Bernard was back on the practice field on Thursday. Plus, get to know the two newest members of Buffalo's restructured front office.

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