Is the Buffalo Bills’ defense back?
Through seven games, the story surrounding the Bills has been the fall from grace that their defense has had. After being ranked one of the most dangerous units last season, the team’s defense has lacked an identity. Being easily run on and giving up an unforgivable amount of yardage in third-down situations, Leslie Frazier has been waiting for someone to step up. That person was Jerry Hughes.
Hughes has been quietly having a respectable season. Recording five QB hurries (QB threw ball earlier than intended or chased out of the pocket) which sees him be tied for eighth in the league, Hughes has been one of the consistent players in the Buffalo defensive line.
Last week against the Kansas City Chiefs, the defensive line was arguably the worst the unit has seen in games. This week, Hughes and the defensive line came out of the gate better and only sacrificing 99 rushing yards on the day, a significant improvement from the 245 yards on the ground from last week.
In addition to the five solo tackles and pair of sacks, Hughes also recorded an interception in the final seconds of the game to seal it for the Buffalo Bills.
As the Bills inch closer to a trade deadline to which it is expected that the Bills will be ‘buyers’ being able to add another defensive weapon alongside Hughes could be the solution the run-defense needs.