Tag: Greg Rousseau

Leslie Frazier details how Bills’ usage of Von Miller could look

Leslie Frazier details how #Bills’ usage of Von Miller could look:

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbw1j59gmjw5gdj player_id=none image=https://billswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

When you sign a player like Von Miller, you don’t do so without some big plans in mind.

The Buffalo Bills have them.

Miller inked a multi-year contract despite being 33. Time will tell if he sees the end of that, but the team clearly thinks he can still make an impact. Buffalo defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier was the latest to express that.

“Really excited about Von being here,” Frazier said via video conference from OTAs. “He shows he still has flashes to be a primer pass rusher.”

“We think there’s still a lot left in the tank,” Frazier added.

So now what do the Bills do with what is left? Without exactly showing their entire playbook, Frazier gave some interesting insight.

First, he reaffirmed that Miller will be kept fresh for the fourth quarter.

Since Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott took over in 2017, the team has run a rotation along the defensive line. Frazier said that concept will keep Miller ready to go when the fourth quarter comes around.

Then the intriguing one: the No. 40 won’t be very stagnant on the field.

Miller is going to be moving around the formation based on game plan, he won’t just be rushing from one side of the defense every down.

“There will definitely be situations where we want him to line up in a specific spot,” Frazier said.

That could also have a trickle-down effect.

Last week, McDermott said this is a “big offseason” for the three young pass rushers running with Miller: Greg Rousseau, Boogie Basham and AJ Epenesa.

“They’re in a position where they have to, we need them to really, really grow and develop and make a mark on our defense, and not just in a supporting role, but in a primary role,” McDermott said.

Frazier added to that, saying more “consistency” is needed from the young trio, but Miller is there to help.

From the sounds of it, Miller’s ability to move around the defensive scheme is going to benefit Rousseau, Basham and Epenesa by putting them in positions to succeed. Perhaps even in a plug-and-play style.

“We have some things in mind for those guys,” Frazier said.

Where could those spots be? Frazier said Rousseau will mostly play on the left side again, but mentioned he can move around the defensive line, too.

Aside from that, we’ll have to wait and see what the film tells us once the regular season rolls around.

[lawrence-related id=101822,101696,101701]

Trio of young Bills teammates attended Von Miller’s Pass Rush Summit

Trio of young #Bills teammates attended Von Miller’s Pass Rush Summit:

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbw1j59gmjw5gdj player_id=none image=https://billswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]w

The Buffalo Bills clearly have an “in” for the event, but three important young players on the team made sure to take advantage of it.

Since 2017, Von Miller has held an annual “Pass Rush Summit.” Miller came up with the idea.

He gathers up some of the top pass-rushing talents from across the NFL and they all get together, workout, and watch film for a few days. It’s a chance to share tricks of the trade in an effort for everyone to get better.

The 2022 edition went down this past weekend and three of those in attendance are new teammates of Miller with the Bills: Greg Rousseau, AJ Epenesa and Boogie Basham. All were there according to the Buffalo News.

Showing up is a great opportunity for the trio to learn and not just from Miller. Others from across the league to join in included DeMarcus Ware, Justin Houston, Chandler Jones and Maxx Crosby.

That’s a lot of sacks to learn from.

Miller is slated to start at one defensive end spot for Buffalo next season. Rousseau has the inside edge to locking up the other during training camp, however, that job will be given to the player who earns it.

This upcoming offseason is an important one for Rousseau, Epenesa and Basham–and it appears they’re all getting off to a positive start by attending the summit.

[lawrence-related id=101718,101712,101694]

Bills’ Greg Rousseau focusing on diet this offseason

#Bills’ Greg Rousseau focusing on diet this offseason:

Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau is hoping some improvements in the kitchen helps him take another step forward on the field in 2022.

Ahead of his second season in the NFL, the former first-round pick looks… a bit different. Speaking via video conference from the Bills’ OTAs (organized team activities), Rousseau looks to have added some weight.

But that hasn’t just involved the gym. The 22-year-old said he’s eating better as well.

“I’d say I definitely focused more on my diet this past offseason,” Rousseau said. “I was eating more healthy. Not that I was eating unhealthy before, but definitely just being more attentive to the details when it comes to my diet.”

Heading into Year 2, Rousseau has a big opportunity in front of him. While Von Miller did sign in Buffalo, veteran Jerry Hughes ended up with the Houston Texans.

That leaves a spot for someone across from the future Hall of Famer in Miller on the Bills’ defensive line.

At the position, Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott has always incorporated a large rotation for his players. However, there usually is a pair off the edge that are considered starters and get more reps each game than the others.

Miller will take one of those spots and Rousseau is in contention to take the other. He’ll most likely be battling a couple younger teammates for that job in Boogie Basham and AJ Epenesa.

From the sounds of it, one of those three will be getting a good look. McDermott made note of how important this summer is for the trio.

“This is going to be a big offseason for those guys,” McDermott said via video conference. “They’re in a position where they have to, we need them to really, really grow and develop and make a mark on our defense, and not just in a supporting role, but in a primary role.”

Of those three, Rousseau preformed the best last season so he might be the favorite out of the gate.

Rousseau ended up playing in 49 percent of snaps on Buffalo’s defense in 2021, notching four sacks, 50 tackles, including eight for loss, with a forced fumble and interception.

Rousseau knows he’s still going to need to earn in training camp.

“I’m ready for it, I’d say. One hundred percent,” he said.

[lawrence-related id=101450,101431,101426]

Bills 2022 offseason preview: Where does Buffalo stand at DL?

Bills 2022 offseason preview: Where does Buffalo stand at DL? It’s an interesting position to watch in the coming weeks (via @jdiloro):

The Buffalo Bills have dedicated quite a few resources to the defensive line over the past few seasons. Last offseason, the Bills spend their first two draft picks on defensive ends, selecting Miami’s Greg Rousseau and Wake Forest’s Boogie Basham with their opening selections. The Bills also added free agent Efe Obada to the mix.

The goal was to create a deep, formidable group of players capable of rotating and consistently causing problems for opposing quarterbacks. Part of this was in response to finding a way to match up against Patrick Mahomes following the Bills loss in the 2020 AFC Championship game.

For the most part, the unit worked well. While the defensive line group did not necessarily have a standout performer, the sub of the parts was often greater than the whole.

The Bills allowed the fewest points in the league. They also surrendered the fewest passing yards in the NFL, a credit to the defensive line working in concert with the secondary.

However, for as much as the Bills have put into the defensive line, there were times when the unit could have been more dominant. They recorded 42 sacks, tied for 11th in the league. In addition, they allowed the 13th-fewest rushing yards, which feels good, but there were times were the line was pushed around a bit at the point of attack.

Still, a defense that gives up the fewest points in the league can only be viewed as a success. Ed Oliver flashed moments of dominance in the middle. Harrison Phillips provided a viable influence in the middle of the line. Greg Rousseau gave viewers a glimpse of his pass rush prowess. Veteran Mario Addison led the way with seven sacks. And, Jerry Hughes put up another good season pressuring the quarterback.

The group had a nice 2021 campaign, and more will be expected of the group moving forward. They were good, but they need to be dominant if the Bills are to make a push to the Super Bowl.

Buffalo Bills earn C grade for 2021 NFL draft class

#Bills earn C grade for 2021 NFL draft class:

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbw1j59gmjw5gdj player_id=none image=https://billswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

The Buffalo Bills did not earn much praise for their 2021 NFL draft class via NFL.com.

Grading each draft class from last offseason, the Bills slotted in at No. 25 overall. That translated to a letter grade of C.

Here’s part of the outlet’s breakdown:

Following a disappointing season from the Buffalo defense in 2020, Brandon Beane and Sean McDermott clearly went into the 2021 draft seeking more edge juice, ultimately spending their first two picks on a pair of defensive ends. Rousseau created quite a buzz in August, titillating Bills beat writers throughout training camp and then recording a sack in each of his first two preseason games. In his second regular-season game, he notched two QB takedowns. And after he sacked and picked Patrick Mahomes in a Sunday night blowout of the Chiefs at Arrowhead, the hype train hit full throttle. During a media session the day after that Week 5 win in Kansas City, McDermott got one too many fawning questions about the Rousseau.

Call that man McDermostradamus! Rousseau didn’t record another sack until Week 17, smashing into the rookie wall after opting out of his final college season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Nevertheless, he started all 19 games, including the playoffs. Basham was another matter, as a healthy scratch for half the regular season and a rotational player when active. On the plus side, he maximized limited snaps in Week 18 and the two playoff games, providing seven pressures and two sacks in a nice season-ending surge. With Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison past their prime and set to hit free agency, the Bills need Rousseau, Basham and 2020 second-rounder A.J. Epenesa to make the leap in 2022.

Now, I’d be remiss if I didn’t mention the one impact player taken after Buffalo’s early edge binge. Brown started 12 games, including both playoff contests. The 6-8, 311-pounder out of Northern Iowa looks like a keeper as a road-grading right tackle.

Rousseau, Brown and Basham were the three pieces from Buffalo’s 2021 rookie class that made an impact in Year 1. Many others did not, but even in that, there were some promising signs.

Cornerback Rachad Wildgoose (Jets) and offensive lineman Jack Anderson (Eagles) both were signed by other teams off of the Bills’ practice squad. That could be taken as a positive for Buffalo’s scouting department.

Later in the year a few others, such as returner Marquez Stevenson and offensive lineman Tommy Doyle, did find their ways into the lineup. The final piece not mentioned was safety Damar Hamlin, who did see time in 14 games played and 35 percent of Buffalo’s special teams snaps throughout the year.

While no rookie players really flashed for the Bills this past season, there are some clear reasons for optimism going forward. Their careers are not signed and sealed as “C” quality just yet–not even close.

In a bit of an added bummer, Buffalo’s rookie class was graded worst among AFC East teams. The divisional rivals of the Bills slotted in at:

  • 21. New York Jets
  • 6. New England Patriots
  • 3. Miami Dolphins

[lawrence-related id=97739,97733,97696]

Here’s where PFF ranked the Bills’ 2021 rookie class

Here’s where PFF ranked the #Bills’ 2021 rookie class:

The football analytics outlet Pro Football Focus was not very high on the Buffalo Bills’ 2021 NFL draft class.

PFF reviewed the seasons the first-year Bills players put together on the field for the team. Combining their findings head-to-head against the rest of the league, the outcome was not great.

Buffalo’s rookie class finished at the No. 27 overall spot.

Here’s PFF’s breakdown:

Why they’re ranked here: The Bills draft class’ biggest contributions came from their top three picks, as Greg Rousseau and Boogie Basham were each part of a strong defensive line rotation while Spencer Brown played 726 snaps on the offensive line. Rousseau recorded 30 pressures and 38 defensive stops, but injuries limited Basham to just 200 snaps in total. Brown played over 600 snaps at right tackle, and although he allowed just one sack, he gave up 30 pressures and accrued a 51 PFF pass-blocking grade.

How their top pick fared: Rousseau flashed the kind of athleticism and size that makes him a problem for offenses to deal with, as he was a useful part of Buffalo’s defensive front. He was particularly impactful in the run game, but his pass rush was more inconsistent. He posted an eight-pressure game but also has five games in which he failed to record any pressure at all.

The Bills have had better first-year impacts under their current front office led by head coach Sean McDermott and general manager Brandon Beane than they got in 2021. Tre’Davious White’s first season seems like only yesterday.

While Rousseau did flash, he certainly hit a “rookie wall.” Down the stretch, Rousseau did improve a bit. He had a sack, tackle for loss, eight total tackles and a pass defended in his final two games. Once the postseason hit, he went quiet again, but the hope will be that he takes his experiences into Year 2 and improves.

That same concept applies to Basham. At his end of season press conference, Beane noted that he challenged Basham heading into the offseason. Basham should see every opportunity to take hold of a bigger role next season, but he’ll have to earn it. The team could be banking on him doing so.

But it wasn’t all bad for the Bills. PFF did name one rookie they liked. It was Brown:

Best value pick: Brown became a starter on the Bills offensive line, spending most of his time at right tackle but even filling in at left tackle when needed. He recorded two elite run-blocking performances, which was his stronger area of play, and was rarely a liability in pass protection.

[lawrence-related id=97387,97385,97381]

Report card: Bills defense mostly shines in 2021

A lot to like about the #Bills defense in 2021:

The 2021 NFL season is almost done and dusted with Super Bowl 56 just around the corner. The Buffalo Bills won’t take part, but it was a profitable season for the team nonetheless, particularly defensively.

With that, here’s how Bills Wire graded the team’s defense in 2021:

(Click here to check out our final grades for the Bills offense in 2021).

Bills 2021 rookie class does not fare well in ESPN ranking

#Bills 2021 rookie class does not fare well in ESPN ranking:

[mm-video type=playlist id=01eqbw1j59gmjw5gdj player_id=none image=https://billswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/plugins/mm-video/images/playlist-icon.png]

ESPN did not look fondly upon the Buffalo Bills’ 2021 NFL draft rookie class.

The former world-wide leader ranked the first-year pros from every team in the NFL, head-to-head. The Bills ended up at the No. 27 overall spot. Only five other teams had a worse ranking than Buffalo.

Here’s the breakdown on the Bills’ rookie class:

27. Buffalo Bills
Why they’re ranked here: The Bills draft class’ biggest contributions came from their top three picks, as Greg Rousseau and Boogie Basham were each part of a strong defensive line rotation while Spencer Brown played 726 snaps on the offensive line. Rousseau recorded 30 pressures and 38 defensive stops, but injuries limited Basham to just 200 snaps in total. Brown played over 600 snaps at right tackle, and although he allowed just one sack, he gave up 30 pressures and accrued a 51 PFF pass-blocking grade.

How their top pick fared: Rousseau flashed the kind of athleticism and size that makes him a problem for offenses to deal with, as he was a useful part of Buffalo’s defensive front. He was particularly impactful in the run game, but his pass rush was more inconsistent. He posted an eight-pressure game but also has five games in which he failed to record any pressure at all.

Best value pick: Brown became a starter on the Bills offensive line, spending most of his time at right tackle but even filling in at left tackle when needed. He recorded two elite run-blocking performances, which was his stronger area of play, and was rarely a liability in pass protection.

Overall, Buffalo had a class consisting of seven total players. Those not mentioned above include offensive lineman Tommy Doyle (Round 5), returner Marquez Stevenson (Round 6), safety Damar Hamlin (Round 6), and cornerback Rachad Wildgoose (Round 6).

Of that secondary group, only Stevenson and Doyle made some meaningful impact down the stretch run of the Bills’ 2021 season. Hamlin was a special teamer himself while Wildgoose left Buffalo when the New York Jets signed him from the team’s practice squad.

What really doesn’t help the full group in such a ranking is their positions on the defensive line for Rousseau and Basham. As referenced, the Bills run a big rotation along the defensive line, so even when they did get in the lineup, snaps were limited as opposed to someone like Brown– and rookies on other teams that they are being compared to.

But with all these players being only one year into their careers, there’s still plenty of time for them to turn into impact makers. Even along the defensive line as veterans could potentially be moving on from the Bills as early as this upcoming offseason.

With Buffalo’s No. 27 spot, in a bummer, they aso rank as the lowest team in the AFC East in this poll. One actually fares very well.

Here’s a quick rundown of how the rest of the division ranked in ESPN’s poll:

1. New England Patriots

7. Miami Dolphins

20. New York Jets

[lawrence-related id=96260,96240,96246]

5 Bills players that must step up vs. Chiefs in divisional round

5 #Bills players that must step up vs. #Chiefs in divisional round:

The Buffalo Bills are hoping to make their playoff blunder against the Kansas City Chiefs a thing of the past during their upcoming divisional round matchup.

The Bills (11-6) will visit the Chiefs (12-5) on Sunday, the same site where they lost the AFC championship a year ago.

If Buffalo is to play beyond their trip to Kansas City this year, a few players in particular must have a big game.

Here are five Bills players who must step up against the Chiefs:

Instant analysis: Bills find enough footing in win vs. Falcons

Instant analysis: #Bills find enough footing in win vs. #Falcons (via @jdiloro):

The Buffalo Bills kept their divisional champion hopes alive with a 29-15 win over the Atlanta Falcons.

Buffalo’s victory keeps the Bills (10-6) ahead of the New England Patriots in the AFC standings. The Bills hold the divisional tie-breaker. In addition, Buffalo clinched a playoff berth with the victory.

Buffalo’s performance against Atlanta (7-9) was a bit uneven, to say the least. The game started inauspiciously for the Bills, as Buffalo gave up a safety on special teams after the Falcons opening drive.

Returner Marquez Stevenson fumbled a punt return. The ensuing scramble pushed the ball into the end zone, which was recovered by Buffalo. Atlanta opened with a 2-0 lead early in the first quarter.

Buffalo responded by scoring two touchdowns on the next two drives. The Bills aerial attack was inconsistent, so quarterback Josh Allen put the ball in his hands and rushed for the two touchdowns. With the Bills up, 14-2, by the conclusion of the first quarter, it seemed Buffalo would be moving easily throughout the game.

Instead, the Bills offense had some trouble keeping the ball in their hands and prolonging drives. Allen threw two interceptions in the first half. Atlanta scored 10 points off of the turnovers and entered halftime with an improbable 15-14 lead.

For the majority of the season, many wondered if Buffalo’s run game could support the offensive attack if the aerial game did not lead the way. The Bills running attack showed they could shoulder the load. After Allen threw his third interception of the day on the opening drive of the second quarter, offensive coordinator Brian Daboll put an emphasis on the ground game.

Running back Devin Singletary pounded out 110 rushing yards on 23 carries. He added two touchdown scores in the second half. Zack Moss ran the ball five times for 39 yards. Moss saw the majority of his game action late in the game as the Bills ran the clock down in the fourth quarter, solidifying the win.

Allen, for his part, was effective on the ground, rushing 12 times (before kneel-downs) for 84 yards and two touchdowns.

It was relieving to see the run game work efficiently with the passing attack sputtering. Allen was 11-for-26 with 120 passing yards and three interceptions. However, the run game was dominant, racking up 233 rushing yards.

Buffalo’s offensive line won the battle in the trenches. In addition to the stellar run blocking, the unit allowed only one sack. Interestingly enough, that sack occurred when wide receiver Stefon Diggs attempted the pass on a flea flicker.

Buffalo’s defense played well, putting the most pressure on a quarterback that they’ve had all season. The Bills recorded five sacks on the game, with defenders Taron Johnson, Greg Rousseau, Ed Oliver, Mario Addison, and Harrison Phillips bring down Ryan on the afternoon for sacks.

The defense limited the explosive Corderelle Patterson, the Falcons do-it-all running back-wide receiver. Patterson, the best option for Atlanta, gained 28 yards on nine rushes. He caught two passes for 24 yards. Standout tight end Kyle Pitts caught two passes for 69 receiving yards.

Matt Ryan was 13-of-23 with 197 passing yards. Ryan thought he scored late in the game, rushing for a touchdown. However, the touchdown was overturned as he was short of the goal line.

To make matters worse for the veteran quarterback. Ryan was called for taunting. Buffalo’s defense defended the fourth-down toss-up that Ryan threw, ultimately giving the ball to the Bills for good.

While Buffalo’s defense stood strong, it was the offense that required some in-game modifications to gain control of the game.

Buffalo offensive coordinator Brian Daboll attempted a couple of trick plays, both that fell short. A pass to offensive lineman  Dion Dawkins failed in the red zone, and the flea flicker with  Diggs as the thrower did not materialize. With the issues in the passing game, Daboll put the ball on the ground and it worked well.

Buffalo closes their season against the New York Jets (4-12) next Sunday at Hallmark Stadium.

A victory will give the Bills their second consecutive division title and place Buffalo no lower than fourth in the AFC standings entering the playoffs.

[lawrence-related id=94431,94425,94407]