NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

AFC East: Biggest question for each team in 2020

By Russell S. Baxter

FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots runs onto the field after a loss to the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images)
FOXBOROUGH, MA - DECEMBER 29: Head coach Bill Belichick of the New England Patriots runs onto the field after a loss to the Miami Dolphins at Gillette Stadium on December 29, 2019 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. (Photo by Adam Glanzman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 5
Next
Buffalo Bills (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Buffalo Bills (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /

Buffalo Bills: Is bolstered defense improved enough to consistently stop the run?

The 2019 Buffalo Bills made strides from the previous season. A big part of that was the play of quarterback Josh Allen, who did more with his arm then he did with his legs – which was somewhat of the opposite of his rookie campaign. In ’18, he spent the vast majority of the year running for his life behind an offensive line that left a lot to be desired.

Last offense, general manager Brandon Beane being worked hard at fixing the problems up front and the play from that unit was much better. Buffalo’s ground attack was more reliant on Devin Singletary and ageless Frank Gore (now with the New York Jets) than it was on Allen – although the latter led the team with nine rushing TDs.

Ironically, one shortcoming for Buffalo’s vaunted defense was its inability to match up against some of the power football teams in the league. And too often teams were able to run the ball down the Bills’ throat as the club surrendered 131.0 yards per game rushing in six regular-season setbacks and 141 on the ground in the overtime playoff loss at Houston.

This year, free-agent additions such as one-time Carolina Panthers such as defensive linemen Vernon Butler and Mario Addison and linebacker A.J. Klein hope to remedy that situation. Can they help get the job done?

Home/NFL