3 players the Buffalo Bills must rely on more in 2022
Greg Rousseau
Last season’s first-round pick was a regular on the defensive line playing 49% of snaps, trailing only Jerry Hughes, who registered just above 51% of snaps. There are two stories here with Rousseau.
The first is that it is expected that he will make a jump from his rookie season to be a more consistent and dangerous pass rusher. Rousseau was outstanding as a run defender his rookie year, registering 50 tackles and 8 TFLs.
Most defensive stops in a season by a rookie Edge Rusher since 2006
— PFF BUF Bills (@PFF_Bills) May 31, 2022
1️⃣ Khalil Mack (’14): 48
2️⃣ Nick Bosa (’19): 42
2️⃣ Von Miller (’11): 42
4️⃣ Greg Rousseau (’21): 41 pic.twitter.com/sOn082J2Fc
However, with only four sacks and 24 pressures, Rousseau was often stifled as a pass rusher. Rousseau only had one sack after Week 6, which shows how much he struggled as a pass rusher. The hope is that with an entire NFL offseason and a season under his belt, Rousseau will build a stronger pass-rushing skillset for his second season.
The other aspect of Rousseau being more critical to the Buffalo Bills is the departure of veterans Mario Addison and Jerry Hughes to the Houston Texans. While offseason addition Von Miller is a clear upgrade over Addison and Hughes, the departure of both leaves the Bills with less proven pass-rushing options.
Rousseau will be not only given the opportunity but expected to perform better this season. For the sake of Buffalo’s defensive success, Rousseau is essential. With one of the best back seven in the NFL, the Bills are still looking for better production from their defensive line. A great season from Rousseau could be the difference in Buffalo’s defense this upcoming season.