Bills show different defensive tendencies against Ravens

In the aftermath of the Buffalo Bills' matchup against the Baltimore Ravens, the team's defensive tactics proved to be notably distinct. The 2026 iteration of the Bills defense, as opposed to the 2025 version under Sean McDermott, showcased heavy defensive personnel, increased coverage of the box, extensive use of cover 4, and a more limited range of coverages. Interestingly, the Bills also demonstrated a significant emphasis on pressing the opposing offense, but not to a great extent.

Before the game, the Bills' defense ranked poorly, placing 30th in EPA per play allowed, 28th in EPA per drop back, 25th in EPA per rush, 28th in success rate against, and 28th in explosive play rate against. However, with Lamar Jackson out due to an injury sustained in the first play of the game, the Bills' defensive tendencies changed dramatically.

In response to this new offensive structure, the Bills showed a surge in man coverage rate at 54.8%, blitz rate at 61.3%, and middle-of-field closed coverages at 67.7%. They also started using two-high pre-snap looks before transitioning to a one-high post-snap look, a rate unseen throughout the season (25.8%). Moreover, they abandoned the strategy of pressuring opposing receivers, dropping to 0.0%, a far cry from their previous season-low of 7.9%.

The defensive coordinator, Jim Leonhard, played a crucial role in this change, as he was seen calling plays from the booth. Head coach Joe Brady confirmed Leonhard's role after the game. However, it's unclear whether these tactics would persist if Lamar Jackson had returned to the field. The article states that the Bills' defensive identity against the Ravens was a high man percentage and a high blitz rate. The outcome of this defensive strategy remains to be seen.