With defensive coordinator Bobby Babich coaching the defense in just his second year, it may be time for him to step aside and let someone else call the plays.
Head Coach Sean McDermott comes from a defensive background and took the reins over in 2023, following defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier's resignation.
While the Buffalo Bills are now battling for first place in the AFC East with the New England Patriots, it may be time to make the switch.
The Bills need to make this change now rather than later
During the Bills' last two losses against the New England Patriots and the Atlanta Falcons, the Bills' defense gave up a total of 338 yards against New England and then permitted 443 yards in Atlanta.
While the run defense improved in the Patriots game, it was abysmal against Atlanta. Running back Bijan Robinson took off on an 81-yard run to the house for a touchdown in the second quarter to put the Falcons up 21-7.
Although Babich may be struggling right now, he is still a young coordinator making strides in calling the defense. It may benefit him if he were to let McDermott take over the defensive play calls and let the young coach learn and watch for a bit.
McDermott vs. Babich defensive schemes
Fans will notice how the defense plays, including the type of pressure used. McDermott is more of an aggressive blitzer who puts five guys on the line and does everything in his power to sack the quarterback. This can be very exciting to watch, but if one player makes a mistake and doesn't cover his receiver, he's at risk of giving up a 90-yard touchdown.
As for Babich, his approach is to show blitz initially, but then have his players drop back into coverage to avoid giving up the big play. Also, his defenses are supposed to be able to stop the run, too, even if the D-line isn't causing a ton of sacks.
While both defenses have shown they fit the Bills' defensive personnel, they can't wait much longer for Babich to turn their run defense around in time to pass the Patriots for first place in the division.
Therefore, going back to McDermott calling the defensive plays, it would help this unit thrive in the short term by finally winning the Super Bowl, while helping Babich continue to grow as a young playcaller in the long term.
Babich definitely has the right attitude and mindset to be a great defensive coordinator for the Bills and, potentially, a head coach for another NFL team. Right now, though, he needs to take a step back and let McDermott ride this defense to the postseason.
While it's not panic time yet, the Bills are still in win-now mode and must consider switching to McDermott sooner rather than later. Otherwise, they may not win the AFC East this year, which would be six in a row.