Buffalo Bills: 3 biggest x-factors heading into the 2023 season

2.) Ed Oliver and the defensive line

Going into this past offseason, there were questions as to whether or not defensive tackle Ed Oliver may receive a contract extension with the Bills. The team picked up his fifth-year option and eventually signed him to a four-year, $68 million deal.

This was quite a surprise seeing as how Oliver has not necessarily lived up to that kind of contract before. However, Oliver has shown his abilities from time to time with disrupting an offense and making a play in the backfield. 

Oliver, followed by the defensive line are the Bills’ biggest x-factor on the defense because of the uncertainty at linebacker. In addition, the secondary trio of Micah Hyde, Jordan Poyer, and Tre’Davious White are back on the field for the first time in under two seasons.

The pressure that the defensive line will have to create to force the throws and set the defensive backs up for success will determine how much the Bills can get their offense back on the field. They are set on the edge with Gregory Rousseau, Leonard Floyd, and eventually when Von Miller returns. As far as the interior, the big guys upfront not only need to stop the run, but also create interior pressure to make the pocket collapse.