The Buffalo Bills’ decision not to acquire a defensive tackle at the trade deadline could prove costly as they aim for a deep playoff run. Currently, the Bills have a potent defense, but it’s been plagued by injuries, with star defensive tackle DaQuan Jones on injured reserve and Ed Oliver playing through injury. Without reinforcements, the Bills lack the interior depth to consistently dominate the line of scrimmage, especially against the run—a critical area for playoff success in cold-weather games.
In past seasons, Buffalo has struggled to stop power running teams, especially late in the season and during the playoffs. Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Cincinnati Bengals, who also boast strong offensive lines, have often exposed these weaknesses. In the playoffs, where the competition becomes stiffer, not having a deep defensive line rotation can wear down starters, leaving them fatigued in key moments. By not making a move to shore up this area, the Bills have effectively left a significant part of their defense vulnerable.
The impact of this decision might be felt most during high-stakes games, where Buffalo’s offense could face lengthy drives from opposing teams that control the clock and keep quarterback Josh Allen off the field. With less support from a run-stopping defensive line, the Bills’ pass rush—featuring Von Miller—could struggle to pressure elite quarterbacks who exploit weakened interior defenses.
Although the Bills could lean on scheme adjustments to mitigate this gap, scheme alone might not suffice against well-prepared playoff teams. In such situations, a powerful presence at defensive tackle can be the difference between controlling a game or watching it slip away. As the playoffs approach, Buffalo may find itself haunted by its inaction, wishing it had fortified its defensive front with just one more move at the deadline.
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