The blitz is back
Sean McDermott’s defenses have not been known for blitzing opposing quarterbacks often. McDermott’s defenses, both in Buffalo and previously in Carolina, have been better known for playing man-to-man coverage and trying to get pressure rushing four defensive linemen. The Bills have employed this strategy throughout the 2019 season. While the Bills have played strong defense all season, what has been missing has been a big-play ability. In addition to a lack of turnovers, the Bills had just 22 sacks in the first nine games of the season.
McDermott and Defensive Coordinator Leslie Frazier had a gamplan to change things up and generate more pressure on Miami quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick on Sunday. The Bills blitzed often to generate pressure and confuse Fitzpatrick. While the former Bills’ quarterback was able to exploit the blitz at time to the tune of 323 yards passing, the Bills were able to get to him and sack him seven times. It was the most sacks by the Bills’ defense in a game since sacking Deshaun Watson seven times in week six of last season.
Often times, it wasn’t the blitzers that were coming in and getting to Fitzpatrick, both rather defensive linemen who came in unblocked as Miami linemen accounted for oncoming rushers. The Bills got sacks from each of their four defensive tackles – Ed Oliver, Corey Liuget, Jordan Phillips, and Star Lotulelei. Jerry Hughes and Shaq Lawson also picked up sacks from the Bills’ defensive line. Linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and Matt Milano, who were all over the field Sunday in a strong performance, also shared a sack.
The seven sacks brought Buffalo’s sack total on the season up to 29, which is now tied for ninth most in the league. It was a huge sack party on Sunday for a Buffalo defense that had been struggling to get to quarterbacks.
If the Bills can continue to generate pressure from the blitz, it would be a huge boost to a defense that has been searching for more big plays. The Bills have controlled opposing passing games all season, but mostly through strong coverage and limiting big plays. If they can add more sacks on top of that, their defense might ascend to an even higher level heading into the difficult portion of their schedule.