Three of the four AFC East coaches have strong experience on the defensive side of the ball. Thus, when exploring the best position groups on that side of the ball, the rankings are closer. The expertise of these coaches has placed an emphasis on all facets of reducing their opponents’ odds of putting points on the board.
And perhaps the No. 1 place of importance on a defense is a strong ability in the trenches. Good play here can slow down opposing offenses on the ground and in the air. So of the four defensive lines in the AFC East, which is the best of the best?
Here’s how the Bills Wire ranks this year’s D-lines in the division:
1. Buffalo Bills
The Bills have a deep group of players, and even with the losses of Shaq Lawson and Jordan Phillips via free agency and with Star Lotulelei opting out of playing this year. The unit is still strong enough to be considered the best in the division.
Buffalo strengthened their unit by signing sack-master Mario Addison during free agency. He will play opposite Jerry Hughes, giving the Bills two veterans who can get after the quarterback. Hughes often has performed his best with a good partner across from him. Buffalo will also rotate Trent Murphy in games, providing a strong option off the bench. But it remains to be seen if Murphy is on the team’s final 53-man due to the salary cap.
In addition to Addison. Bills added two players who have experience across the line. Former Seattle Seahawks edge Quinton Jefferson and second-round pick AJ Epenesa. Both can play outside and inside, giving head coach Sean McDermott various ways to utilize the unique skill sets of these players. At this time, it’s expected that Epenesa will spend some more time on the edge, while Jefferson will see time at defensive tackle.
On the interior, the Bills have second-year tackle Ed Oliver, who had a much larger impact for the defense as the season progressed. Free agent signee Vernon Butler will pick up some of the snaps that Lotulelei will leave behind. Harrison Phillips returns from an ACL injury that cost him most of the 2019 season.