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S.F.P. | The Buffalo Bills defense relies on this simple mantra heading into tonight's primetime game

The Bills defense will face three Pro Bowl quarterbacks - Lamar Jackson, CJ Stroud & Aaron Rodgers - in the next three weeks.
The Bills defense will face three Pro Bowl quarterbacks - Lamar Jackson, CJ Stroud & Aaron Rodgers - in the next three weeks.

The Bills have had a red-hot start to the season. They're 3-0 for the third time under head coach Sean McDermott. The offense is the best in the NFL averaging 37 points per game. One reason why the offense has outscored opponents 112-48 is because the defense keeps giving them opportunities to score.

Buffalo's defense is allowing an average of 16 points per game (seventh best) and has six takeaways (tied for the third-most). One of the most impressive things about this is the fact that the defense is playing at a high level without several starters.

A.J. Epenesa (57), DaQuan Jones (92), Austin Johnson (98), Von Miller (40) , Greg Rousseau (50). Buffalo Bills week 4 Thursday practice, September 26, 2024 at One Bills Drive.
A.J. Epenesa (57), DaQuan Jones (92), Austin Johnson (98), Von Miller (40) , Greg Rousseau (50). Buffalo Bills week 4 Thursday practice, September 26, 2024 at One Bills Drive.

Second-year linebacker Dorian Williams is starting in place of injured linebacker Matt Milano (biceps). Undrafted defensive back Cam Lewis is playing for injured nickel cornerback Taron Johnson (forearm). Seventh-round linebacker Baylon Spector is filling in for injured middle linebacker Terrel Bernard (pec). And, undrafted cornerback Ja'Marcus Ingram is playing in the defense's dime package because Lewis, who would normally sub in, is already starting.

The defense hasn't let this affect them negatively. In fact, the play hasn't dropped off. It's a 'next man up' mentality.

McDermott's defensive system has allowed several backups to flourish when opportunity comes their way.

Why? Because they keep it simple.

KEEPING IT SIMPLE

Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich showed up to a press conference on Tuesday wearing a hat that read S.F.P. When asked what it stood for, Babich said it's one of the defense's philosophies.

"Smart, fast and physical," Babich explained. "…we had these made for the guys. Said, if you believe in it, wear it. If you don't, give it back."

Several players have sported the hat this week.

It's a term that echoes throughout the walls of One Bills Drive. It's etched into players' minds.

"Years ago, there was a moment where he (McDermott) was like 'We're gonna keep this simple. We're gonna play fast. We're gonna play physical. Let our guys execute,'" Babich said of where it comes from.

McDermott wants to keep the philosophy simple, so his players can shine.

"We do have a philosophy and an approach," McDermott shared. "We do try, at the same time, to allow the players to play, so that's what may make it player friendly."

"I don't want to say it's bulletproof, but it's very, very sound," new cornerbacks coach Jahmile Addae said. "There's no defense that covers everything. But I feel like within his defense, you never feel…as though they've got you on the board before the ball is snapped."

Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich wears a S.F.P. hat during his Zoom media availability on Tuesday.
Defensive coordinator Bobby Babich wears a S.F.P. hat during his Zoom media availability on Tuesday.

Players rave about playing in McDermott's system. Whether it's a rookie picking it up for the first time or a veteran who's been a Bill for several seasons. Edge rusher Von Miller, who ties for 17th on the NFL's all-time sack list, loves the philosophy because he appreciates the simple life.

"I think just keeping things simple in general, like in life, it allows you to really be your best," Miller said. "If I think about all the great days that I've had outside of football, it was simple. You wake up, brush your teeth, have some breakfast. Then, watch cartoons, go outside, ride your bike, play video games, and it was good. We try to keep that same mindset here."

"We try to keep it simple and let the guys make the magic happen," defensive end A.J. Epenesa explained. "…it's all about our players and how they play, and our coaches just try to put us in the best position to win."

Another reason why smart, fast and physical works is because it allows football players to be football players.

"I'm trying to figure out how to say this in a nice way. We don't really want to think, for real," cornerback Rasul Douglas said. "We just want to hit everything moving. So, when you put it simple, we all can play faster because we ain't gotta think so much."

"It allows us to have opportunities to make plays on the ball and stuff like that," Ingram said. "…just playing fast, I feel like you will be around the ball more."

Best shots from Thursday's Buffalo Bills Week 4 practice as the team prepares to take on the Baltimore Ravens.

DIALED IN ON THE DETAILS

While the principle may be simple, the act of perfecting it is not.

"It's described as simple, but it's very, very complex," Miller shared. "Bobby Babich and the coaches do an excellent job of teaching."

The schematics is one thing that makes McDermott's system difficult. Safety Taylor Rapp, who's in his second season with Buffalo, recalled the time and effort required to learn the defense.

"Coming here, learning the system, I was like, 'Whoa, this is a lot,'" Rapp explained. "I'm not really used to that. So, it took me a long time to really get the X's and O's and the scheme."

"It's not simple because you got to deal with the fact that every week you're going against a very talented offense," rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter added. "You got to account for what your job is. But, if somebody moves this way, I got to know that I switch my job to this and then let somebody else know that they have to do my job now."

Sounds like a headache, right?

McDermott and his staff work hard to make sure the headaches occur during practices, so the game days are clear.

"We don't let things slide because as soon as you start letting things slide, it starts to become a habit," Babich said. "And that's not necessarily a good habit. So, I think just the attention to detail we have, it's hard on the young guys."

The details matter in Buffalo. Linebackers coach Al Holcomb has coached alongside McDermott on and off since 2013. Holcomb says McDermott's defense has evolved because the game has changed but the principles have stayed the same.

"We're very, very detailed in terms of our process and how we do everything which lends us to being viewed as really good teachers because it's like, 'Hey, where are my eyes at? Where did I step?' Holcomb explained. "Whereas maybe in other places, they don't detail the very, very minute little things that could affect the play six inches one way or six inches another way."

"We spend a lot of time pouring into our backups," Babich said. "Not only in practice, also in meetings with extra little things here and there."

One example of how this plays out in terms of preparation is the player-led film review sessions that take place during the week.

"We're all committed to just making sure that Sunday looks the best it can," safety Damar Hamlin said of the defensive backs film sessions. "Being able to spend that extra 30 to 40 minutes to just make sure we are all on the same page with our calls and our checks makes it simpler."

PLAYING THE SMART, FAST, PHYSICAL BRAND

Spending extra time making sure everyone's on the same page is paying off on game days.

The Bills defense has recorded four interceptions through three games, which ties for the fourth most in the league. The best part is all four were caught by sixth-rounders or undrafted players.

To the players and coaches, it doesn't matter if you're in the game as a starter or a backup. Everyone is expected to play to the same standard.

"It doesn't matter where you are in the depth chart," cornerback Rasul Douglas said. "The standard is the standard. So, when you get a rep in practice whether it's scout team or with the defense, you got to take that rep like it means something to everybody because we are all depending on you to do your job."

The backups who have filled in for the starters have absolutely done their job.

Ingram had a game-saving pass breakup in Week 1's game against the Cardinals. The CB followed it up with two interceptions the next week, one of which went for a pick six.

"We're just so extremely proud of him to be able to see that that's all his hard work," Epenesa said of watching Ingram's success. "We all believed that that was his capability. None of us were surprised when he did it…he's just so hard working and so humble."

"There's no one that would be happier for Ja'Marcus than myself," Addae said. "…he's super, super intentional…if there's information to be had, he's going to seek it, he's going to find it and utilize it."

Ingram and Addae spent the offseason putting extra time in, so when the opportunity came about, Ingram would be ready.

"It gives me a heart full of joy to be able to have these moments and not let it be too big because nothing was ever given to me," Ingram said. "So, I know what it's like to work and continue to work through success."

In addition to Ingram's fruitful start to the season, Williams (29), Lewis (21) and Spector (16) are three of the team's top four leading tacklers. Spector was the latest backup who had his number called. The LB said he was inspired by his teammates to succeed.

"You're watching like, 'Hey, when I get my chance, I want to make plays like them,'" Spector said of watching Ingram, Lewis and Williams. "And so, when that happens, you can't do nothing but be excited for those guys."

The defense talks about it as a 'next man up' mentality. They want to play to the high standard because of the men next to them.

"This team is built off, next man up," Douglas said. "Everybody being there for each other. We talk about it every day. It's just being a family, being complete as one. Whenever your number gets called, we all believe in you to do your job to the best of your ability."

"When you talk about a brotherhood, that's really what it comes down to, right?" Babich said. "Your siblings, your family, you spend a lot of time with. Well, that's truly what these guys are to each other. They're family, and they don't want to let each other down."

SLOWING DOWN AN MVP ON SUNDAY NIGHT

The standard doesn't change as the Bills prepare for their next matchup. They'll be tasked with slowing down two-time MVP quarterback Lamar Jackson and All-Pro running back Derrick Henry as they take on the Ravens on the primetime stage.

"(He's) one of the most dynamic players that has ever played in this game, not just quarterback," Miller said of Jackson. "You can't even just put him in a box as a quarterback. He's greater than that…both of those guys present unique challenges."

"With our new players that are playing this year that have never played against Lamar, it'll be an adjustment for them," McDermott said. "And then just trying to get them to understand the techniques that you have to use and how on point you have to be. You're never going to stop a player like that…you just hope that you can win more than you lose in terms of the plays."

As the coaching staff prepares to get young and new starters ready for two dynamic threats, they take pride in their preparation.

"I think that's probably our strongest suit, is in the preparation process, not forgetting who we are," Addae said. "…I think Bobby and Coach McDermott both do a good job of compartmentalizing how we're getting attacked and what we do well that can match it."

Staying true to their roots - playing smart, fast and physical - gives the defense the confidence they need against any opponent.

"It's what we do and what we do well," Ingram said. "So, when we go out, it's not our first time doing it…we've seen all kind of looks with our great offense…it gives us all the confidence in the world to just go out and execute at a high level with what we do."

McDermott, Babich and their defense full of backups turned into starters will aim to keep their identity at the forefront as they take on a talented Ravens team on Sunday.

While every roster is different, Buffalo's defense has done a great job at limiting Jackson in previous matchups. The QB is 1-2 including playoffs against the Bills as a starter. Jackson has thrown three interceptions and been held to a passer rating of under 65 in those losses.

Scroll to see the best photos from the Buffalo Bills travel day to play in the Week 4 Sunday Night Football game against the Baltimore Ravens. This gallery is presented by The Imagine Group.

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