The Buffalo Bills defense last season, for the most part, was consistent against the pass and also boom-or-bust against the run. The one area the Bills' defense was consistently bad at, especially during the Sean McDermott era, was third-and fourth-down defense.
But now, with new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard at the helm and a new defensive scheme that could be a welcome change, he must focus on improving this team tremendously on late downs and in crunch-time situations.
Let's take a look at how Jim Leonhard can fix their late-down defense more effectively than Sean McDermott ever did over the past nine seasons.
How Jim Leonhard can fix the Bills' late-down defense conflicts
Instead of adding more players to the current scheme, they are counting on a new, aggressive 3-4 scheme with a new defensive coordinator and other new defensive assistants to instill confidence in addressing their current issues.
2025 third-round selection Landon Jackson was primarily used as a 4-3 defensive end edge rusher but will switch to a defensive end role in their 3-4 scheme, highlighting future strategic shifts. Former 2024 third-round pick DeWayne Carter will also be changing positions, switching from a 4-3 3-tech defensive tackle to a 3-4 nose tackle behind 2025 fourth-round pick Deone Walker, who is stepping in as the starting nose tackle, and encouraging new growth for the team.
2021 1st-round pick Greg Rousseau will switch from a 4-3 defensive end edge rusher to a 3-4 outside linebacker edge rusher to be more efficient against the run. Also, 2024 5th-round pick Javon Solomon will be switching from a smaller 4-3 defensive end edge rusher to a larger 3-4 outside linebacker edge rusher, which will better leverage his speed and quickness to collect more sacks on opposing quarterbacks.
As a former NFL defensive player himself, Leonhard will focus heavily on the secondary. He will use Rousseau and Solomon's aggressive speed to rush the passer, generating clear action that makes the defense more powerful and aligned, lessening pressure on the coverage unit.
Changes clearly needed
The Bills finally realized, after their 33-30 overtime playoff loss to the Denver Broncos, that they needed to make some changes to their coaching staff, particularly on the defensive side, especially if they want a chance to go to the Super Bowl.
Of course, the success of this team still relies on superstar quarterback Josh Allen and the team's offense. Still, hopefully, the defense can find success with Leonhard running the new 3-4 defense, which will complement Allen's offense, and the team can once again try to make the playoffs.
Let's hope these changes lead to better results. But at least the Bills realize the time to try something new is now. To conquer their late-down defensive woes.
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