The Buffalo Bills defense has been much maligned so far in the 2026 NFL season, and for good reason. Heading into a Week 8 home game vs. the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo ranked 30th in points allowed per game (28.5) and 31st in yards per game (386.8), often struggling to stop the pass and get off the field on third down.
Then, after knocking out Lamar Jackson on the Ravens first offensive play of the game, Buffalo's defense put on a show against Baltimore's backup quarterbacks, allowing only 145 yards of total offense and just 68 passing yards while logging four sacks with 12 quarterback hits and forcing three turnovers.
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As great as the Bills defense fared vs. Baltimore, the level of competition does have to be considered, as Buffalo did much of its damage against second-stringer Tyler Huntley (injured after only 10 snaps), and emergency QB Joe Fagnano, an undrafted rookie making his NFL debut with little preparation.
Today's edition of Buffalo Rumblinks leads off with thoughts on whether the positives shown vs. Baltimore are sustainable for the rest of the season, or whether the results are fool's gold.
Check out the news items below and then let us know your thoughts on whether Buffalo's defense has turned a corner.
All season long, the Buffalo Bills' defense has been harping on the need to communicate better. And regardless of whether it was Lamar Jackson, Tyler Huntley, or Joe Fagnano quarterbacking the Ravens, for at least one game, Buffalo's defense excelled at communicating with each other.
Additionally, Buffalo's run defense rose to the challenge, limiting future Hall of Fame running back Derrick Henry to 60 yards from scrimmage on his 13 touches, while dynamic wide receiver Zay Flowers was held without a catch on his five targets.
Greg Rousseau and Ed Oliver were constantly in Baltimore's backfield and finished with three quarterback hits apiece, while Cole Bishop came up with a strip-sack, Rousseau, Landon Jackson and T.J. Parker each added sacks, and Davison Igbinosun came away with his first career interception after Geno Stone batted away a pass.
First-year defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard tried a few new wrinkles on Sunday, calling plays from the booth instead of on the field while guiding a defense that set season-best marks in man coverage rate (54.8%), blitz rate (61.3%), and middle-of-field closed coverages (67.7%).
"We talked about it all week, just being aggressive after coming off the bye, and we looked at things we could work on," Rousseau said . "And I feel like we did a good job of going out there and starting fast. And most importantly, finishing, because we've had good games as a defense.
Despite the positives, there are still warts on defense: the play of Buffalo's linebackers has been less than stellar; the pass rush—outside of Rousseau and Deone Walker—has been inconsistent; the secondary has battled through injuries and erratic play; and penalties continue to be an issue.
"I think our defense should look at today and understand that that's what the expectation is," Brady said. "And I'm not talking about the production. I'm not talking about the takeaways and sacks. I'm talking about the style that they played, the way that they flew around."
Only time will tell whether the Bills defense is finally starting to gel under Leonhard, or whether Buffalo just took advantage of a banged-up Ravens offense.
Reviewing Josh Allen's play vs. the Baltimore Ravens. Plus, discussing replacements for C.J. Gardner-Johnson at safety; and seeing where the Bills find themselves in the NFL power rankings.
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