The Buffalo Bills were hoping their run defense would show significant improvements from last season, when Buffalo ranked 21st in rushing yards allowed per game (136.2) while allowing opposing offenses to average 5.1 yards per rush and score 24 touchdowns on the ground.
So far through the first three weeks of the season, Buffalo’s run defense has been much improved. The Bills are allowing the opposition to rush for 107 yards per game on the ground while averaging 4.0 yards per rush with only two rushing
TDs.
A big reason for that has been the play of third-year defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, who, finally healthy, is producing as one of the best run-stuffing defenders in all of football.
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Today’s edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off by dissecting Carter’s stellar start to the season, and how he has worked his way from being a potential roster cut candidate to anchoring Buffalo’s run defense.
Check out the assessments below and then let us know your thoughts in the comments section.
DT DeWayne Carter blossoming into reliable run-stuffer
Among defensive tackles in the NFL with at least 40 run snaps, Carter ranks 11th with a 69.1 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. Carter, who was the No. 95 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, leads the league in ESPN’s run-stop win rate (56%), and he leads all defensive tackles in run stops with 22. Through three games, the Bills have not allowed an opposing back to eclipse 100 yards on the ground, with Carter’s improved play helping key a rejuvenated run defense.
“Our goal is to be the best at stopping the run,” Carter told newyorkupstate.com’s Matt Parrino. “Because last year it wasn’t a strong suit for us. So obviously that’s in the past, but our focus is to be the best every single day at stopping the run. Then you earn the right to rush the passer. You see what our guys have been doing.”
In other news out of One Bills Drive, we hear how Josh Allen is preparing to face the New England Patriots’ blitz; see how Allen and outside linebacker Greg Rousseau have gotten off to record-setting starts to the season; and find out what defensive tackle T.J. Sanders had to endure as he worked his way back onto the field following his appendectomy.
- Bills’ DeWayne Carter went from roster bubble to one of the NFL’s best run stoppers – newyorkupstate.com
- Written off, DeWayne Carter has become a force for the Bills – Olean Times Herald
- Bills’ Forgotten Third-Round DT Subtly Dominating NFL in Critical Defensive Stat – Sports Illustrated Buffalo Bills
- Interview: Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DeWayne Carter – WIVB
- DeWayne Carter Talks Fat Boy Fridays, Gaining Muscle & Reality TV – BuffaloBills.com
- Bills notebook: Josh Allen ready for the New England blitz; Christian Benford misses second straight day – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Historic rates: Greg Rousseau’s sacks, Josh Allen’s rushing TDs are on record paces – ESPN.com Buffalo Bills blog
- Josh Allen is doing something no NFL quarterback has ever done – Democrat & Chronicle
- ‘It was crazy’ | T.J. Sanders details appendectomy as he makes his return to Bills practice – BuffaloBills.com
Even more Bills news
Examining how edge rusher Greg Rousseau was able to claim his first-ever AFC Defensive Player of the Month award. Plus, why the Bills have to pleased with the early returns on their contract with pass rusher Bradley Chubb; why Josh Allen is striving to get wide receiver Khalil Shakir more involved in the passing game; and more!
- Bills’ Greg Rousseau named AFC Defensive Player of the Month – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Greg Rousseau named AFC Defensive Player of the Month – WGR 550
- NFL sack leader Greg Rousseau named AFC Defensive Player of the Month – BuffaloBills.com
- Jim Leonhard: Greg Rousseau ‘on a heater’ right now for Bills – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Bills linebacker Greg Rousseau opens season with historic sack streak – WGRZ
- Around the NFL: Bradley Chubb’s impact a reminder Bills spent wisely in free agency – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Josh Allen wants to see the Bills get the ball to Khalil Shakir more – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Has the Bills’ third-down defense been as bad as it feels? – Buffalo News (subscription required)
- Why does the Bills’ new Highmark Stadium mix red and blue seats randomly? – The Athletic (subscription required)
Buffalo Bills articles recently featured on Buffalo Rumblings
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- The AFC Defensive Player of the Month for September is Greg Rousseau – Buffalo Rumblings
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- New name appears on Thursday injury report – Buffalo Rumblings
- NFL power rankings: Bills at No. 1, but Patriots have wide range of rankings – Buffalo Rumblings
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