There has been much conversation around the defensive play of the Buffalo Bills this season and the shortcomings under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. While many Bills fans have been frustrated, myself included, there is one piece of the equation that has not been discussed enough this season.
Thanks to multiple injuries, star defensive tackle Ed Oliver has only appeared in three games for Buffalo this season. Oliver missed week two after suffering a hip injury in warm-ups, and then excited
the game early after taking a shot to his left knee during week 4. Much of the focus on the defense’s shortcoming have been centered around the play of the secondary and linebacker corps, I would argue that Oliver’s absence has had the greater impact.
Statistically speaking, the Bills defense has performed at a higher level with Oliver on the field. The team has given up 25.3 points per game when Oliver plays, compared to 31.7 per game when he does not. The Bills also allow less yards per game when Oliver plays, and have 17 quarterback pressures during those games (as opposed to six total in the three games he missed). Looking past the statistics, it should also be noted that opposing offenses have marched down the field late in games to score late touchdowns in games that have been missed by Oliver (Los Angeles Rams, Las Vegas Raiders, and after exiting against the New England Patriots).
If you want to take it one step further, Oliver’s absence seems to be having an adverse affect on the play of Greg Rousseau. In games played by Oliver, fans saw Rousseau tally four sacks to go along with six tackles for a loss. Without Oliver proves to be another story, where Rousseau did not have any tackles for loss in those games. There has also been an impact on Deone Walker as Oliver has missed time, with the second-year defensive tackle being double-teamed on 71% of defensive snaps.
While much of the conversation has focused on the secondary, I am optimistic that the anticipated return of Oliver will provide a much needed jolt for the Bills defense on Sunday. Let’s hope that I am right as the Bills face a tough challenge against Lamar Jackson and the Baltimore Ravens.
