Buffalo Bills defensive line: 2023 outlook
Ah, the defensive line. That trench where gladiatorial battles take place. There's no sugarcoating it: if you want to win in the NFL, you need a robust defensive line. It's the battering ram to your castle, the foundation of a great skyscraper, and for the Buffalo Bills in 2023, it's looking as glorious as a binge-watch of The Wire on a lazy Sunday afternoon.
Let's get the numbers out of the way. Nine. That's the magic number. Like the Beatles with their nine days a week. And for three seasons, the Bills have hit this magic number. But this year, there’s a whisper in the wind, a tantalizing hint of change. Could 10 be the new nine? Stick with me on this because, like a classic Tarantino film, there's a lot to unpack.
Now, the Bills have had a storied relationship with the defensive line. To truly understand the significance of this 2023 group, we need to reminisce a bit. Do you remember the great Deflategate? Of course, you do. Back when a ball’s PSI was the most discussed number in all of sports. While that was all about offense, it taught us one thing: every detail counts. And if there's one team that's been paying attention to the details this offseason, it's the Buffalo Bills.
The locks are in place. The defensive tackle position is as sure as LeBron's triple-double on a night when he's had his Wheaties. Ed Oliver and DaQuan Jones lead the charge, flanked by Tim Settle, Jordan Phillips, and Poona Ford. Talk about a wall; they're like the 300 Spartans guarding that narrow pass against the Persians.
Now, the presumption is Miller's sidelined—think of him as the star player waiting for his "Michael Jordan flu game" moment. And that's alright. Greg Rousseau and Leonard Floyd are the vanguard, with A.J. Epenesa and Boogie Basham backing them up. But wait! Enter Shaq Lawson—the living embodiment of a plot twist. He’s like Han Solo swooping in at the last minute to save the day in the original Star Wars—yes, the one where he shot first.
Lawson has been turning heads this summer, and no, not like Linda Blair in The Exorcist. I'm talking about genuine appreciation. In a league that's ever-shifting toward dealing with shifty QBs, you want Lawson on your roster.
Their preseason game against the Bears? It was like watching the final episode of Breaking Bad; you knew how it would end, but boy, the journey was worth it. The Bears, sans three starting O-linemen, didn't stand a chance. Oliver's hit on Justin Fields was akin to the Sopranos' "fade to black"—unexpected, intense, and a scene-stealer.
And the bench? Jonathan is that sleeper hit—like when you stumble upon a hidden track in your favorite band's album. His exploits against Pittsburgh and Chicago make you wonder why he wasn’t a regular feature. As for Kameron Cline, he's the indie film that unexpectedly tugs at your heartstrings. Raw, genuine, with a touch of brilliance.
Then comes the number conundrum. With Miller coming back, the Bills are like a kid in a candy store. They want everything. And can you blame them? Having 10 in the defensive line would be like having all the Stones and the Beatles in one band.
In a season where they’ll be eyeing another Super Bowl run, these details matter. The Bills' defensive line has depth, quality, and that intangible hunger. Like Rocky gearing up for the final bout, they're poised to hit hard, hit fast, and make a mark.
In a league of constant change, the Bills are making a statement. The 2023 season beckons, and as they say in showbiz, "It's Showtime!" Grab the popcorn and your favorite beverage, because this defensive line is about to put on a performance for the ages.
