Everything is going to be alright, Bills Mafia. Despite losing a thriller to the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, the Bills are still in the playoffs, the AFC East champions, and Josh Allen remains the leading candidate for MVP.
Sure, you don’t want them to lose, but losing to an out-of-conference opponent looking to remain alive in the NFC West is nothing to be upset about. The Bills fought hard on offense, but the defense eventually gave up and let Matthew Stafford do whatever he wanted. Not being fired once and avoiding turnovers came back to haunt the Bills.
The Buffalo defense is undeniably responsible for the Bills’ recent defeat. Giving up more than 400 total yards while only forcing one punt will not help them win, regardless of who their quarterback is. Ed Oliver, a defensive tackle, was one of those athletes whose names were rarely, if ever, called.
Oliver has been a massive letdown for the Bills this season after enjoying a breakout year last year. Despite missing two games this season, Oliver has only one sack and 20 total tackles. Last season, Oliver produced 9.5 sacks and 51 total tackles, both career highs. Now? He’s nowhere to be found.
Bobby Babich calls out Ed Oliver after Week 14 loss
Babich spoke with the media on Monday and was asked about Oliver’s lack of productivity this season, to which Babich basically stated that “when the ball comes up, you have to make a play,” according to Alex Brasky.
The Bills’ defensive line has been poor overall, and they will need to significantly strengthen it next summer. Until then, Babich will need to go back to basics with his defensive lineman. Oliver having a stellar year after receiving a large contract extension, and then falling short this season, was not what Bills supporters expected.
Down the stretch in December, the Bills will face some quality running backs. If Oliver isn’t going to be the greatest at stopping the run, he needs to return to his specialty: establishing an inside pass-rush. This Sunday, the Bills head to Detroit to face a tough Lions club with a fantastic offense.
If Oliver wanted to impress Bills fans and shift Babich’s narrative, this is the game to do so.
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