The Buffalo Bills are off to an impressive start this season, beating the Houston Texans and the Detroit Lions. The offense looks its best in a while, but the defense has shown room for improvement—especially the secondary.
In the past, Buffalo’s defense has significantly struggled in the run game, while the secondary has succeeded. However, this season the defensive front is the only thing working, and the secondary is the liability.
They still have plenty of time to improve, and the rest of the team is making up for it, but it’s definitely a concern.
Statistically Struggling
In week one, the Bills allowed C.J. Stroud to pass for 274 yards and 2 touchdowns, with Nico Collins catching seven passes for 75 yards. They struggled even more in week two, with Jared Goff throwing for 327 yards and four touchdowns, and Amon-Ra St. Brown recording nine receptions for 142 yards.
To put it in perspective, Buffalo allowed a quarterback to throw for more than 250 yards only twice last season.
Cornerback Christian Benford, a past centerpiece of the defense, has had a very underwhelming start. In the first two games, Benford allowed 118 passing yards, two touchdowns, and allowed an average passer rating of 119.2. Not what you would expect from your starting cornerback.
Another reason for the secondary’s struggles is Taron Johnson’s absence. Johnson was traded to the Las Vegas Raiders in the offseason and was replaced by former Falcon Dee Alford.
Johnson was a huge piece of the defense at the nickelback position, and Alford has yet to have the same effect. In the win against Detroit, Alford allowed 85 passing yards, a touchdown, and a passer rating of 149.3.
Along with Benford and Alford, the safeties have been underwhelming throughout the first two games. Cole Bishop had a breakout campaign in 2025, but has yet to make his presence known this season.
Jim Leonhard’s Scheme
One of the new additions to the Bills this year is defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard. Leonhard previously coached for the Denver Broncos, where he served as assistant head coach and passing game coordinator.
Leonhard brought a new scheme with him to the Buffalo defense. Under Sean McDermott, the Bills used a 4-3 scheme, whereas Leonhard uses a 3-4.
The new scheme has a lot to do with the troubles in the pass game. It creates a lot of movement in the front seven, which leads to pressures and sacks. However, it also causes miscommunication in the secondary and seems to open up for big plays.
It can take a while for players to adjust to the new scheme, especially since most of them have played in a 4-3 for the past few seasons.
Over time, it should improve, but it’s alarming and something that needs to be addressed before Buffalo’s week three matchup with the Los Angeles Chargers.
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