As the postseason looms, the Buffalo Bills’ defensive struggles are becoming a significant concern. Injuries to key players have taken their toll, leaving the once-dominant unit looking vulnerable at the worst possible time. Among the most glaring issues is their inability to get off the field on third downs—a trend that has raised alarms across the organization.

A Troubling Statistic

Over the past three games, the Bills’ defense has been ranked 30th in third-down efficiency, allowing opponents to convert an alarming 60% of their opportunities. Even more troubling is their inability to stop offenses in third-and-long situations. Against the New England Patriots, for instance, the average distance to go on third down was 6.83 yards, yet the Patriots converted seven of 12 opportunities.

This failure to close out defensive series has not only extended drives but has also significantly impacted the Bills’ offense by limiting possessions.

A Slow Start Against New England

The defensive struggles were on full display in the game against the Patriots. Buffalo’s offense, led by Josh Allen, only had one possession in the entire first quarter due to the defense’s inability to control the line of scrimmage and get stops.

New England capitalized, scoring touchdowns on their first two drives. The second drive was particularly damaging, spanning 16 plays and consuming a staggering 9:57 of game time.

“They had some third down conversions against the defense, that should never happen,” Bills head coach Sean McDermott said after the game. “And third and long in particular, seven or so, seven plus, so the rush and coverage have to work better together there.”

McDermott also pointed to the presence of younger players stepping into larger roles due to injuries, adding, “They’re going to learn from some of those situations and experiences. So, we move forward and make the adjustments we need to make.”

The Injury Factor

Injuries have undeniably contributed to the Bills’ struggles. Missing key defenders has forced Buffalo to rely on less experienced players, and while McDermott sees this as a learning opportunity, the growing pains have been costly.

However, injuries alone cannot excuse the lack of execution. The inability to close out third-and-long situations is a matter of focus, discipline, and coordination between the pass rush and coverage—a combination the Bills must refine if they hope to compete in the postseason.

Urgency to Improve

With playoffs just weeks away, Buffalo must address these issues immediately. Opposing teams will exploit any sign of weakness, especially when they can drain the clock and keep the ball out of Josh Allen’s hands.

The Bills’ championship aspirations hinge on their ability to adapt and overcome these defensive deficiencies. They’ve shown resilience in the past, and they’ll need every ounce of it to make the adjustments required to solidify their defense when it matters most.

Final Thoughts

While injuries have exposed vulnerabilities, the Bills have the talent and coaching to make necessary corrections. Getting off the field on third downs is not just a priority—it’s a requirement. If they can tighten up their defensive execution and improve third-down efficiency, the Bills can still position themselves as serious contenders in the postseason.

But with the clock ticking, time is running out for Buffalo to prove that they can rise above their recent struggles.