3 strengths and 2 weaknesses of Sean McDermott heading into 2023 season

Weakness #2: Developing a consistent run-stop defense

While McDermott has solidified the Bills as a good defensive unit year in and year out, the run defense seems to be the kryptonite every year. There are at least 3-4 games where the run defense is exposed. Not just on the outside, but up the middle as well.

Last season, the Bills gave up over 100 rushing yards in six games (one game of giving up over 200 yards on the ground). As of now, the Bills have Ed Oliver, DaQuan Jones, Poona Ford, Jordan Phillips and Tim Settle on the roster at the defensive tackle position. This might be a season where the Bills have to decide to bring in extra defensive tackles to the roster. While the 4-2-5 system has been McDermott’s specialty, the extra defensive backer can cost the Bills an extra run stopper upfront. 

Going into 2023, the Bills need to find a way to balance out the pass defense with stopping the run. If an offense can run the ball down the field against the Bills’ defense, it gives them the opportunity to set up for the pass.