The Buffalo Bills added a number of defensive linemen this offseason but is this group actually better than last year?
The one position group that probably saw the most change this offseason for the Buffalo Bills was at the defensive line. The team saw two key pieces from last year’s defense, Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips, depart in free agency.
However, Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills were aggressive and brought in players like Mario Addison, Vernon Butler, and Quinton Jefferson through free agency while using their second round pick on A.J. Epenesa.
The question now is did the Buffalo Bills do enough to improve their pass rush this offseason?
Last year, Phillips and Lawson led the Bills with 17 combined sacks however this stat only tells part of the picture of an effective pass rusher. Pro Football Reference combines sacks along with hurries and QB knockdowns for a stat they call pressures.
When combining the pressure of Phillips and Lawson, along with Lorenzo Alexander who retired, these three players accounted for 61 pressures on 1,521 snaps. These three players were able to generate a pressure on 4.01% of their snaps.
However, the three veteran additions (Addison, Butler, and Jefferson) combined for fewer pressures (50) on more snaps (1,758). They were able to get a pressure on only 2.84% of their snaps.
Based on these numbers, it is hard to say that the Buffalo Bills defense’s ability to get pressure on the opposing quarterback has improved. The biggest wild card for this defense, and if they actually will be better this coming season, will be A.J. Epenesa.
The reason the rookie is so important is his versatility. He may not be a starter but the coaching staff is going to find ways to get him on the field and will move him around all four positions along the line. He has a unique combination where he has great power for a defensive end and great speed for a defensive tackle.
If Epenesa can account for the difference of 11 pressures lost from last year than the Buffalo Bills pass rush should be better this coming season.