Kickoff is 815pmEST in Los Angelos under the dome
From Chuck Pollock, Sun Senior Sports Writer,
It could be argued that the Bills’ defense of new coordinator Jim Leonhard, for the first four games, has been decidedly underwhelming.
The first two, Leonhard’s ‘D’ surrendered 31 points, in each, en route to tense wins over Houston and Detroit.
In Game 3, Buffalo did everything possible — five turnovers, 10 penalties and four sacks surrendered — to lose to the winless Chargers, but held on.
But last week, the Bills’ careless defense finally came back and bit them as they surrendered 405 yards to New England. There were two admittedly spectacular one-handed touchdown passes by Patriots receivers combined with an horrendous decision by Buffalo quarterback Josh Allen as his bomb into double-coverage in the final 75 seconds was intercepted ending Buffalo’s bid to win or tie. And, oh yeah, New England had the edge in both passing and rushing yards and a 7 1/2 minute cushion in time of possession.
A chance to build a 3-game division lead four games into the season evaporated into a one-game edge … and that against four teams with a combined 4-12 record.
After the Pats’ game, Leonhard was understandably miffed.
“I WOULD like more consistency in what we’re doing,” he said. “It starts with myself … we’re going to hold the guys to a high standard.
“That’s the expectation … that we continue to grow and continue to develop and to play to a high standard. I’m never going to ask our guys to play perfect … but I do want improvement.”
HOWEVER, that’s a big ask Monday night.
The Bills (3-1) travel to Los Angeles’ SoiFi Stadium to face the offensively potent Rams (2-2), mere 3-point favorites (8:15 ABC, ESPN, Bills Radio Network)..
Buffalo is averaging an NFL-best in scoring at just under 32 points per game but its defense ranks 25th at 27 points a game.
In most major defensive statistics the Bills rank 19th of 32 teams, or worse. They’re 27th in yards (372) and passing yards (256) surrendered, 24th in red zone scores permitted (68.8%), 20th against third downs (40.7%) and 19th versus opponents rushing (116).
The Rams are virtually even in scoring and surrendering at 21 per, but their average yardage of 417 ranks second in the league.
In short, the Bills injury-depleted secondary will have its hands full.
Start with quarterback Matthew Stafford, one of the NFL’s elite, running backs Kyren Williams and Blake Corum, a tough 1-2 punch, and wideouts Davante Adams and now-healthy Puka Nacua could well be the best tandem in the league.
BILLS HEAD COACH Joe Brady endured his first loss last Sunday but was philosophical about it.
“It’s so damn hard to win football games in this league,” he said. “And when we allow teams to either stay in the game or give them a chance to win or put ourselves in a position that we don’t want to be in … We want to have our defense out there in a two-minute drive to end it.”
Brady added, “(This loss) should hurt … it isn’t fun. (But) t’s like we lost, what are we going to do about it?
“It’s important for me to be that steady voice. If I’m pointing fingers, what the hell am I expecting them to do? The wins and losses are the same to me and I don’t mean that in a negative way,” he maintained. “When we win I still have the same mindset … we’re putting a lot of stiuff on tape that’s going to cause us to lose. We’ve got to find a way to make us better.
“The last three times I’ve left the stadium (two wins and a loss) I’ve been pissed off. The wins and losses isn’t what it’s about. Are we playing clean, winning football and giving ourselves a chance to win?”
ONE OF the questions Brady got concerned Buffalo cornerback Maxwell Hairston, the Bills first-round draft choice in 2025.
Patriots quarterback Drake Maye went after the second-year pro who gave up two touchdowns and was beaten several other times.
“Just because guys are getting beat,” Brady said, “you’re coaching all the way through the game … it doesn’t mean things are not being addressed, that’s part of our job as coaches.
“It’s always going to start with myself and the communication with (Leonhard) and the (defensive backs) coaches. and on whatever is (happening) out there,” he pointed out. “I believe as soon as soon as a player believes we’ve lost trust in him … we’ve lost him. Defensive backs are going to have games and it’s not going to be their (good) game.
“I don’t believe we’re in a world where a guy doesn’t have success and we’ve got to pull him. We’ve got to grow as a football team and all it takes is he goes out and makes a play and people say ‘He’s got that competitive stamina and he can keep going.'”
Brady added, “We’re young on defense and we’ve got to be able work through some things … not have success but be able to play the next play.
“I trust our defensive coaches in terms of understanding what the rotation is and get a feel for the flow of the game.
“I don’t want to be a micromanager and any time a guy doesn’t make a play ‘take him out.’ We continue to evaluate but I have all confidence in Maxwell. There’s a reason he’s out there and when the ball’s thrown (at) him I expect him to make the play.”
Still the Bills are painfully understaffed at cornerback. Nickel back Dee Alford (ankle) is unlikely to play and starter Christian Benford (toe) is in the midst of a tough season and missed practice late in the week. Brady and Leonhard’s other options are a trio of practice squad corners: Kani Walker, Te’Cory Couch and Anthony Kendall.
INJURIES: Bills: Alford, wide receiver D.J. Moore (shoulder) and defensive tackle Ed Oliver (knee) all missed practice late in the week and are unlikely to play. Benford and wide receiver Josh Palmer (shoulder) were limited in practice.
Rams: Linebackers Grant Stuard (hamstring) and Josaiah Stewart (groin) and safety Quintin Lake (hip) all missed practice late in the week and cornerback Kaylen Watson (shoulder) and linebacker Nate Landman (shoulder) were limited in practice.
WEATHER: Dome
POLLOCK’S PICK: Rams 35, Bills 23
Chuck Pollock, a Wellsville Sun and Olean Star senior sports columnist, can be reached at cpollock@wnynet.net.)
