Bills Run Defense Fix: Can Ed Oliver or Matt Milano Change Week 5?
- jameswanderlust9x
- Oct 5
- 5 min read
Buffalo’s 4–0 record looks shiny until you look a little deeper.Underneath all the Josh Allen fireworks and Kincaid highlight plays, there’s one uncomfortable truth:
The Bills can’t stop the run.
Through four games, Buffalo ranks 31st in rushing yards allowed per game and 30th in yards per carry. Opponents have gashed them for over 650 yards already, turning even average running backs into stars for a Sunday.
And now, heading into Week 5 against the Patriots a team that thrives on physicality the question looms large:
Can Ed Oliver or Matt Milano fix this run defense before it costs Buffalo a game?
Where the Run Defense Went Wrong
This isn’t about effort. It’s about structure and consistency.
1. Interior Gap Control Has Collapsed
Since Ed Oliver’s injury (ankle), the Bills have lost their interior anchor.Oliver’s combination of first step quickness and leverage makes him one of the most underrated defensive tackles in football.
Without him:
Double teams are sticking longer on DaQuan Jones.
Backup DT TJ Sanders and Poona Ford are getting washed out.
Linebackers are getting caught in traffic instead of scraping clean.
That’s how the Jaguars, Ravens, and Saints managed 5+ yards a carry against Buffalo’s front.
2. Poor Angles from Linebackers
When Matt Milano went down, it wasn’t just a loss in talent it was a loss in football IQ.
Milano is Buffalo’s heartbeat on defense. He diagnoses plays faster than anyone on the roster.Without him, the linebacking corps (Dorian Williams, Tyrel Dodson, Baylon Spector) have struggled to:
Take proper run fits on zone stretches.
Contain mobile QBs who bounce runs outside.
Communicate pre snap shifts when the offense motions.
Even when the defensive line wins the first half second, the second level cleanup hasn’t been there.
Result? Missed tackles, second and 3s, and sustained drives.
3. The “Bend Don’t Break” Mentality Is Backfiring
Sean McDermott’s system prioritizes preventing explosive plays.That means light boxes, nickel personnel (4-2-5), and two high safety shells.
The trade off? You’re daring teams to run.
And right now, teams are taking the dare and winning.
Against Baltimore, Buffalo used nickel on 88% of snaps.The Ravens responded by pounding the rock 41 times for 204 yards.
McDermott’s philosophy works if you tackle well and rally to the ball. But this season, that final step has fallen apart.
Ed Oliver: The Key to the Interior
If Buffalo’s run defense is a leaky dam, Ed Oliver is the missing floodgate.
Before the injury, Oliver was:
Top 10 in PFF run stop grade (82.5)
3rd in defensive pressures among DTs
Leading Bills DL in TFLs (4)
What he brings isn’t just physical it’s schematic:
His presence demands double teams, freeing up linebackers.
His quickness closes cutback lanes before RBs can bounce.
His push inside forces QBs to roll into edge contain.
Without him, Buffalo’s defense becomes too predictable a front that can rush the passer but can’t hold the line.
Status update:
Oliver practiced in limited fashion Thursday and Friday trending upward.The boot is off, and sources say “barring setback,” he’s expected to be active Sunday night.
If he plays, the Patriots’ interior run game led by Rhamondre Stevenson could have a very different night than Carolina did last week.
Matt Milano: The Field General
When Matt Milano’s out, everything feels slower.
Buffalo’s defense isn’t just missing a tackler it’s missing the communicator.
Milano’s value shows up in subtle ways:
Calling run strength adjustments before the snap.
Redirecting safeties when he senses misdirection.
Timing blitzes that blow up blocking schemes.
With Milano sidelined, there’s a 0.7 second delay between recognition and reaction.That’s the difference between a 2 yard stop and a 12 yard gain.
Milano status update:
He returned to individual drills Friday but is unlikely to play Week 5.The Bills staff reportedly wants him “100%” before the Atlanta road trip next week.
Even so, the return of Ed Oliver could lighten the load enough for backups like Dorian Williams to look serviceable.
Statistical Breakdown: Run Defense by the Numbers
Metric | 2023 | 2024 (through Week 4) | NFL Rank |
Rushing Yards Allowed | 104.2 | 164.2 | 31st |
Yards Per Carry | 4.3 | 5.5 | 30th |
Explosive Runs (10+ yds) | 44 | 67 | 32nd |
Missed Tackles on Runs | 38 | 51 | 31st |
Buffalo is on pace to allow over 2,700 rushing yards this season which would be their worst under McDermott.
But those numbers should normalize once the defense gets its leaders back.
How Oliver & Milano Change the Scheme
When both are healthy, Buffalo’s defense morphs from a bend don’t break unit into an attack front.
Here’s how their presence shifts the geometry of the field:
Ed Oliver: Shrinks the Interior
Forces double teams → fewer open lanes.
Collapses the pocket → fewer scramble breaks.
Enables Bernard (LB) to shoot gaps confidently.
Matt Milano: Expands the Vision
Reads zone vs power instantly.
Redirects safeties based on motion.
Eliminates screen yards and outside counters.
Together, they turn Buffalo’s 4-2-5 into more of a 4-3-4 hybrid, where nickel back Taron Johnson can blitz freely or spy on mobile QBs.
That structure works wonders against a rookie like Drake Maye, who thrives on extending plays.
Why This Matters Against the Patriots
New England’s offense isn’t built to win shootouts it’s built to bleed you out.
They rank:
Mike Vrabel’s philosophy is simple: shorten the game, frustrate the favorite.
If Buffalo’s run D doesn’t stiffen up early, the Patriots could control tempo, keep Allen on the sideline, and turn this into a 24–20 nail biter.
That’s the nightmare scenario the trap game blueprint.
How the Bills Can Patch the Problem (Even Without Milano)
Rotate Heavily at DT
Mix Oliver (if active) with Jones, Sanders, and Ford.
Fresh legs stop late drive fatigue.
Use More Base 4–3 Fronts
McDermott can insert A.J. Klein or Dorian Williams alongside Bernard.
Force the Patriots to beat you in the air, not on the ground.
Contain First, Blitz Later
Vrabel offenses feast on overpursuit.
Force Maye into 3rd and 8, then dial up pressure.
Tackle, Tackle, Tackle
No more arm tackles on Stevenson.
Gang tackle and finish even if it means giving up short gains.
What to Expect Sunday Night
If Ed Oliver suits up, expect an immediate improvement especially early downs.Milano’s absence will still hurt, but the Bills can compensate with cleaner execution and communication.
Game prediction (defense focus):
Patriots rushing yards: under 100
Stevenson long run: under 15 yards
Bills front: 3 sacks, 7 QB hits
Buffalo’s defense won’t suddenly become perfect overnight, but this could be the week they stop the bleeding.
Related Reading
Final Take
Buffalo doesn’t need a total overhaul they just need their leaders back on the field.
If Ed Oliver returns to form and Milano re enters the lineup within two weeks, this defense can reassert itself as top 10 in both yards and points allowed.
The run D leaks are fixable.The panic? Optional.
Come Sunday night, the Bills have a chance to prove that their front seven still runs the AFC East.
Show you believe in the Bills’ comeback defense shop the Sport Gifts Collection featuring Buffalo-themed hoodies, mugs, and canvas art inspired by Bills Mafia spirit.
Because true fans don’t panic they prepare.
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