Buffalo Bills defense shines with backups in recent victories

The Buffalo Bills have successfully navigated early season challenges, winning their first two games despite significant injuries to key defensive players. With starting nickel cornerback Taron Johnson and middle linebacker Terrel Bernard sidelined, backups have stepped up, showcasing the depth of the retooled defense. Dorian Williams and Baylon Spector have taken on critical roles, with Spector even serving as the defensive play-caller in a recent victory against Miami. Their performance included a combined 10 tackles, demonstrating their readiness and capability. Ja'Marcus Ingram has also made a notable impact, contributing two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. This highlights the effectiveness of the Bills' defensive strategy, even with a roster that has undergone significant changes due to offseason cuts and salary cap constraints. The team has faced questions about its depth and experience, especially after losing veteran players like Jordan Poyer and Tre'Davious White. Despite these challenges, the Bills' defense has shown resilience, allowing only 14 of 28 third down conversions and achieving five fourth down stops. The unit has forced four turnovers and recorded six sacks, indicating a strong performance overall. Coach Sean McDermott has ruled out Bernard and Johnson for the upcoming game against Jacksonville, but the confidence in the backups remains high. The Bills' ability to adapt and perform under pressure speaks to the strength of their roster. Players like Lewis emphasize that the entire team is capable of starting roles on other teams, showcasing the depth and talent within the organization as they prepare for future challenges.