By Nick Wojton / Billswire.usatoday.com
The Buffalo Bills defense has a strong resume in only two seasons under the watch of Head Coach Sean McDermott.
In 2017, the unit led the team to the postseason, cracking a 17-season playoff drought. Last year, the group was the second-best defense in the NFL in terms of yards allowed per game (294.1) and was first against the pass (179.2).
Can’t get much better than that, right? Safety Micah Hyde thinks so. Recently chatting with the Buffalo News, the team’s Pro Bowl safety said things are only going to get better for the team’s defense in 2019.
“We’re going to be a lot better,” Hyde said.
Like wine, the defensive back said the team’s defense already has several starters in place. So with age, the group will only get better.
“After a play is called, we discuss the play. Now there’s a lot more guys on defense, whether it’s Matt Milano, Tremaine (Edmunds), Tre’Davious (White), we’re all talking the same,” Hyde said.
On Buffalo’s defense, the only new player projected to make a big impact is first-round pick Ed Oliver. The top-notch secondary and youthful and improving linebacking group are both back. The lone way the Bills could improve on defense, might just be fixed by Oliver. At least that’s the plan.
Buffalo only had 36 sacks last season. That was 26th best in the NFL. The plan is for Oliver to improve that himself and help those around him get better too, such as pass rusher Jerry Hughes.
But in 2019, offense is key. If Hyde’s high ambitions are reached, it will have to come with improved play from Buffalo’s offense and quarterback Josh Allen as well.