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Buffalo Bills: Breaking down potential defensive line combinations in 2020

By Brandon Croce

EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 08: Defensive End Darryl Johnson #92 of the Buffalo Bills in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 8, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NJ - SEPTEMBER 08: Defensive End Darryl Johnson #92 of the Buffalo Bills in action against the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on September 8, 2019 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Pereira/Getty Images) /
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ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: Harrison Phillips #99 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates sacking Andy Dalton (not pictured) of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at New Era Field on September 22, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images)
ORCHARD PARK, NY – SEPTEMBER 22: Harrison Phillips #99 of the Buffalo Bills celebrates sacking Andy Dalton (not pictured) of the Cincinnati Bengals during the second quarter at New Era Field on September 22, 2019 in Orchard Park, New York. (Photo by Brett Carlsen/Getty Images) /

Goal line/Short yardage situations

A.J. Epenesa (DE), Star Lotulelei (DT), Harrison Phillips (DT), Quinton Jefferson (DE)

The versatility of the players is on display here as A.J. Epenesa has lined up inside and outside to this point and now Quinton Jefferson does the same. For the most part, Quinton Jefferson will play defensive tackle but in these short yardage situations, having his size on the outside is going to really benefit the Bills’ defense.

The interior of the defensive line also is able to add size by lining up Harrison Phillips next to Star Lotulelei to again minimize the running lanes for opposing defenses. This certainly won’t be the only scenario Phillips is on the field and if his knee is fully recovered from his ACL injury last year, he should push Lotulelei for the starting job this year.

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