Buffalo Bills: 5 key takeaways from the loss in Week 1

Bills run defense looks better even without Star Lotulelei

In addition to the pass rush, the Bills’ defense against the run looked better and that was even without Star Lotulelei who was inactive for Week 1. Last year, the Bills struggled against the run and not having Lotulelei, who opted out of the season, seemed to play a major role in their struggles.

This week Lotulelei was inactive after missing practice all week due to a calf injury and with Najee Harris on the schedule, this seemed to be a recipe for disaster. However, the Bills held the first round pick to only 45 yards and an average of 2.8 yards per carry.

In place of Lotulelei, players like Harrison Phillips and Ed Oliver stepped up and were big reasons for the defense’s success against the run. Hopefully, the Buffalo Bills get Star Lotulelei back next week against the Miami Dolphins, but if they don’t they should feel better about their run defense.