Entering Week 15, the Buffalo Bills remain one of the premier teams in the NFL, boasting a 10-3 record and solidly positioning themselves as Super Bowl contenders despite their recent loss.
However, a significant issue has arisen on the defensive front, highlighted by allowing 44 points to the Los Angeles Rams in Week 14.
A closer examination reveals a critical problem that needs prompt attention. According to BillsMuse on X, the defense allows opponents to convert approximately 43 percent of third downs, ranking them as the eighth-worst in the league. This statistic would represent the poorest performance during Sean McDermott’s coaching tenure, which is clearly not a recipe for success.
To compete against the top teams in the playoffs, this trend must change. The Bills will need their defense to improve and effectively get off the field. Even with Josh Allen and the offense performing well, victories are unlikely if the defense struggles to stop opponents, as evidenced by their 42-point effort against the Rams that still led to a loss.
Fortunately, McDermott and the coaching staff have the opportunity to address this issue, with four games remaining in the season to strengthen the defense and return to a championship-caliber performance.
Given the offensive potential, the defense doesn’t need to be flawless to secure victories, but an improvement is essential. Allowing 44 points typically results in defeat in most matchups.
The Bills will next face the Detroit Lions, providing an opportunity to demonstrate improvement. A strong defensive performance could help alleviate some of the current concerns.
Overall, this statistic is alarming and should be monitored closely as the season progresses.
