Buffalo’s defensive struggles were on full display despite an electrifying comeback against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 1.
Josh Allen led the Bills to a stunning 41-40 victory, overcoming a 15-point deficit in the final four minutes. Matt Prater sealed the win with a 32-yard field goal as time expired, but the triumph did not hide serious concerns about Buffalo’s defense.
For the first 48 minutes, Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry moved the ball almost at will. Baltimore scored on seven of its first eight possessions and put up 40 points. Such defensive lapses are not a winning formula.
The breakthrough came late. Ed Oliver forced a fumble from Henry with 3:06 left, giving Buffalo a chance to rally. Later, the defense forced a three-and-out with 1:26 remaining, allowing Allen to orchestrate another game-winning drive. Cornerback Christian Benford also limited DeAndre Hopkins to a 7-yard reception on a critical third-and-9 play.
“He played unbelievable,” Allen said about Oliver, who also recorded a sack and tackled Henry for a loss. “It takes everybody doing their job and it takes a few guys doing more than their own job, and I think Ed did that.”
Even with these key plays, Allen had to carry the team. The 2024 NFL MVP threw for 251 yards in the fourth quarter alone, the most in a single 15-minute span since Boomer Esiason passed for 252 yards for Arizona against Washington in 1996.
Buffalo’s defense has been considered the team’s weak link, and Sunday’s performance confirmed those doubts. Over the past five playoff appearances, the unit allowed an average of 33.2 points, 426 total yards, and 150 rushing yards per game. Four of those losses were against Kansas City, highlighting a recurring challenge.
Still, there are reasons for optimism. The Bills faced one of the league’s most balanced offenses, as Baltimore became the first team last season to surpass 4,000 passing yards and 3,000 rushing yards. Upcoming opponents, including the New York Jets, do not present the same level of threat.
Reinforcements are also expected. Buffalo opened the season without edge rusher Michael Hoecht and tackle Larry Ogunjobi, both serving six-game suspensions for violating the NFL’s performance-enhancing policy. Star cornerback Tre’Davious White was sidelined with a groin injury.
The defense is young, reflecting coach Sean McDermott’s long-term plan. Six of nine draft picks were defensive players, including the first five selections. McDermott believes the unit will improve with time and experience.
“It wasn’t even close to what I would expect us to be able to get to,” McDermott said. “We can be better. But I really do appreciate how they stuck together. And that’s true of this whole team.”
While Allen’s heroics grabbed headlines, the Bills’ defensive struggles remain a concern. The team will need to tighten its defensive play if it hopes to sustain success throughout the season.
