Under Sean McDermott, the Buffalo Bills’ defense has been a dominant force. Despite lacking a dedicated defensive coordinator last season and dealing with numerous injuries, including the loss of key players like Tre’Davious White, Matt Milano, and DaQuan Jones, the defense still excelled. These setbacks didn’t stop the Bills from maintaining their tough defensive play.
A standout player on the defense, Terrel Bernard, effectively replaced Tremaine Edmunds, who left in free agency. Bernard, in his first season as a starter, delivered an impressive performance with 143 total tackles, 6.5 sacks, 3 interceptions, 5 pass deflections, and 3 fumble recoveries.
Despite Milano’s season-ending leg injury in Week 5, which raised concerns about the defense’s prospects, Bernard’s performance alleviated worries and demonstrated his ability to step up. Now, with both players back on the field, Bills fans have high expectations for their combined impact.
Gordon McGuinness from Pro Football Focus ranked NFL linebacker duos for 2024, placing the Jets’ C.J. Mosley and Quincy Williams at the top. He ranked the Bills’ duo of Milano and Bernard at #11, a ranking that seems unjust given Milano’s status as one of the league’s best defenders and Bernard’s rapid rise to elite status last season.
McGuinness noted that if Milano returns to his pre-injury form, the Bills will be strong at linebacker. In reality, the team is already in excellent shape, and with the defensive schemes of Bobby Babich, the Bills’ linebackers are poised to further enhance the team’s performance.
