After a slow start in the first half of Week 1, the Buffalo Bills pass rush has been dominant to begin the season and national media personalities are talking about their potential this year.
ESPN’s Dan Orlovsky was a guest on the Bills’ radio program “One Bills Live” this week and praised the Bills’ D-line, especially the pass rush.
“It’s been two weeks into the season, but I think the Bills defensive line is starting to show its worth when it comes to facing Ed (Oliver), (AJ) Epenesa, Greg (Rousseau) and Von (Miller) in some of those obvious passing situations,” Orlovsky said.
There were concerns about the pass rush early in the season after losing Leonard Floyd to the San Francisco 49ers, but Rousseau has taken his game to a new level in year three and Miller has looked like his old self again. Combine that with a consistent force in Oliver under center and their pass rush is one of the best in the league to start the season.
“I think Buffalo is really smart with Von … I think Greg is really starting to prove himself … Ed obviously had another big game,” Orlovsky said.
According to Pro Football Focus, the Bills have the fourth-best pass rush rating in the NFL, with only the Detroit Lions, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns better. The run defense has looked mediocre so far, but has done enough to put the opposing offense in second-and-long and third-and-long situations. Then the pass rush is there in a flash, some ending in sacks, but most affecting the quarterback’s throw.
After two weeks, the Bills are in tenth place in sacks (6) and fourth in interceptions (3).
The Bills pass rush will look to disrupt the Jacksonville Jaguars offense on Monday Night Football, much like the Browns did in Week 2, when they recorded 10 hurries and four sacks on 17 total pressure situations.
“You don’t want one of those tackles blocking Rousseau or Von individually right now,” Orlovsky warned of the Jaguars’ offensive tackles.
