For as much as the Bills have dominated headlines in recent years, it’s been almost exclusively about their offense.
Josh Allen’s arm, the fireworks with Stefon Diggs, the shootouts with Patrick Mahomes -- that’s what defines the Bills in the public eye. Yet beneath the surface, Buffalo’s defense has long been one of the more complete and disciplined units in football. And at the heart of that consistency stands Greg Rousseau, a former first-round pick who’s quietly developed into one of the most dependable -- and underrated -- young edge defenders in football.
Physically, he’s the prototype: 6-foot-6, 265 pounds, with vines for arms and the kind of linear explosion that defensive line coaches dream about. Now 25 years old and in his fifth season, what’s made Rousseau special isn’t just his frame or athletic gifts, it’s how complete his game has become as a three-down defender.
Through nine games this fall, Rousseau has registered28 pressures, four sacks, and five quarterback hits, and while the numbers may seem modest, the film paints a different picture.
He’s been dominant in moments -- six pressures against the Dolphins in Week 3, or his eight against Mahomes and Kansas City in a Week 9 win. Week after week, Rousseau’s disruptive presence has helped set the tone for the Buffalo front.
Greg Rousseau is living up to expectations for Bills
Where Rousseau truly shines, however, is in the run game. His length allows him to control tackles and tight ends at the point of attack, while his hand placement and leverage make it nearly impossible for opponents to seal him off. Teams have avoided running to his side (watch the Week 5 tape against New England), due to his elite combination of power and quickness that allows him to reset the line of scrimmage on contact.
For most edge rushers, they occupy space against the run. For Rousseau, he dictates what happens on his side.
That physical dominance, paired with his motor and discipline, gives Buffalo a rare luxury: a pass rusher who’s just as effective on early downs as he is on third-and-long. He can collapse pockets, chase down quarterbacks from the backside, or disrupt plays before they ever have a chance to develop. His range and closing burst also allow him to track down running backs on stretch plays and mobile quarterbacks in the flat -- not something you often see from a player of his stature.
Statistically, Rousseau’s career résumé is more impressive than many realize. Entering Week 11 of the 2025 season, he’s already logged 35 career sacks, including 11 last year and 70 total pressures in 2024.
Those are star-level numbers, but you rarely hear his name mentioned alongside other young edge defenders like Micah Parsons or Aidan Hutchinson. Perhaps it’s because of the quiet efficiency with which he plays, or because the Bills’ defensive identity has always been more collective than individual.
As Buffalo continues its push toward finally getting over the postseason hump, Rousseau’s steady presence will remain pivotal. He’s the kind of player championship defenses are built around -- long, physical, smart, and relentless.
In a league obsessed with flash, he’s built his reputation on substance -- and the Bills wouldn’t have it any other way.