Harrison Phillips
In the first quarter it looked like the Buffalo Bills defense once again was going to be run over by an opposing running back as Leonard Fourtnette had over 50 rushing yards to start the game. However, they were able to settle down and did a better job against the run over the remainder of the game.
One of the reasons was the play of defensive tackle Harrison Phillips, who for the second straight game had six or more tackles and one tackle for a loss. Prior to the Patriots game, Phillips only had one game with six or more tackles and didn’t have a single tackle for a loss all season.
The play of Phillips earned him the second highest grade among players on the Bills by Pro Football Focus. He was only behind quarterback Josh Allen.
Highest graded #Bills vs Tampa Bay (min. 25% snaps)
— PFF BUF Bills (@PFF_Bills) December 13, 2021
1️⃣ Josh Allen: 75.8
2️⃣ Harrison Phillips: 72.7
3️⃣ Devin Singletary: 70.7
4️⃣ Cole Beasley: 70.6
5️⃣ Daryl Williams: 67.7 pic.twitter.com/C6ZMZokBD5
It has taken Phillips a long time to get back to playing at the level he was prior to his knee injury in 2019. However, he is making a strong case in recent weeks to be the starting defensive tackle and replacing Star Lotulelei in the starting lineup even after Lotulelei returns from his injury.