4 key training camp battles on defense for the Buffalo Bills
By Brandon Ray
3.) Defensive Tackle - DaQuan Jones, Tim Settle, Jordan Phillips, Poona Ford
Aside from Ed Oliver, Bills fans may get a preview of which defensive tackle could get a second contract with the Bills going into 2024. However, they will get a preview of who they could expect to see alongside Oliver in the middle of the trenches.
In 2022, DaQuan Jones was in the middle of the trenches last season with 38 combined tackles, two sacks, and 11 QB hits. Tim Settle recorded 19 combined tackles, one sack, and one QB hit. Jordan Phillips had 20 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, and six QB hits but missed four games.
Poona Ford was signed by the Bills in free agency after spending the last five seasons with the Seattle Seahawks. Ford is a great run stopper who can provide great interior pressure. He was able to rack up 35 combined tackles, three sacks and seven QB hits.
If the Bills decide to put two defensive linemen in the trenches during the games, the rotation will be continuous but to start out, there is a good chance of Oliver and Jones running it back. However, Ford more than likely could provide the biggest challenge for Jones as the starter.
The Bills run defense has been shaky at times the past few seasons, so McDermott will have to figure out how to contain the run to make opposing offenses’ throw the ball to win.