4 defensive players who need to shine for Buffalo Bills in Week 1

LB Dorian Williams

Bills fans will have yet another season of not seeing All-Pro Matt Milano for most of if not the whole season in 2024. He tore his bicep during training camp and will more than likely be on the sidelines for the whole season. That opens up the door for second year linebacker Dorian Williams.

The Bills were in a similar situation last year when Terrel Bernard needed to step up even more after Milano went down. Could this be the second year where we see a young linebacker thrive as an injury replacement? Only time will tell us. Williams will need to show the coaching staff that he can eventually become a full-time starter in the future and there is no better time than now.

DE Greg Rousseau

The Bills could be on their way to handing out a massive contract extension in the next year or so to Greg Rousseau. Buffalo picked up Rousseau’s fifth-year option this past offseason, which now puts him in Buffalo for atleast the next two seasons. Brandon Beane will have to closely monitor Rousseau’s production this year because if he solidifies himself as a top pass rusher, his price will go up.

Aside from the contract details, Rousseau needs to show that he can become the franchise pass rusher that the Bills have lacked for many years. Part of getting Kyler Murray off of his game is not allowing him to make plays with his legs. Rousseau is going to need to make sure that he contains the edge to keep Murray from turning a broken play into a big play.

DE Von Miller

There should be no surprise to see Von Miller on this list. The Bills have not received their money’s worth with Miller since he tore his ACL on Thanksgiving in 2022. Now that he doesn’t have an offseason of rehabbing from his torn ACL, Miller will need to step up and show Bills Mafia that he can be the same productive player he was brought to Buffalo to be.

Much like Rousseau, Miller will need to provide a pass rush to keep Murray from getting outside of the pocket.