Bills Hit with Defensive Setbacks Ahead of 2025 NFL Season

July 16, 2025
by Nini WB

The Buffalo Bills are once again on the radar for a Super Bowl run, but early challenges in 2025 could derail their plans.

Kansas City Chiefs head coach Andy Reid paid the Buffalo Bills an enormous compliment ahead of the AFC Championship. The Bills have been close to Super Bowl success for several years now, winning the AFC East five straight times, though they’ve only reached the conference title game twice—and lost both times.

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Despite their recent dominance in the AFC East — winning five straight division titles — the Bills have struggled to take the next step in the postseason. And that’s where the criticism begins.

NFL analyst Mike Jones from The Athletic listed the Bills as one of the most overrated teams heading into the 2025 NFL season. His main concern? That the Bills’ strengths, especially on offense, may not be enough to hide their growing weaknesses — particularly on defense.

Jones pointed to the fact that the Bills have consistently stumbled in the playoffs, especially when matched against top-tier offenses. “We’ve seen this team win big in the regular season,” Jones wrote, “but they haven’t proven they can finish the job when it matters most.”

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Bills’ Defense Could Be a Major Weakness

Heading into 2025, the Bills still have elite talent on offense, including reigning MVP Josh Allen, but the defensive unit has become a source of concern.

While the offense has remained relatively stable, Jones notes two major red flags:

A contract dispute with running back James Cook, a two-time 1,000-yard rusher, threatens to disrupt offensive rhythm and team chemistry.
The defense, which was ravaged by injuries in 2024, still appears fragile and inconsistent.

Many fans recall the Bills’ heartbreaking playoff exits in previous seasons — particularly games where their defense simply couldn’t slow down elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes or Joe Burrow.

Suspensions and Injuries Threaten Defensive Line

The challenge becomes even steeper with the news that Michael Hoecht and Larry Ogunjobi will both miss the first six games of the season due to suspensions related to the NFL’s performance-enhancing drug policy. These two players were expected to play significant roles in reshaping the Bills’ defensive front.

To make matters worse, free agent signing Joey Bosa — brought in to be a game-changer on the edge — is already battling a calf injury. Although reports suggest he will be ready by training camp, his history of injuries raises concerns about long-term reliability.

With these setbacks, the Bills are entering a season where they’ll face Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert, and Patrick Mahomes — all mobile and dynamic quarterbacks. A soft or inconsistent pass rush could quickly become a fatal flaw.

Draft Picks Offer New Hope

Still, the team didn’t sit back during the offseason. In the 2025 NFL Draft, the Bills invested heavily in rebuilding the defense, focusing on young, high-upside players:

T.J. Sanders (DT) – A powerful interior lineman with strong hands and quick footwork.
Landon Jackson (DE) – A versatile edge rusher known for his motor and length.
Deone Walker (DT) – A massive run-stopper with surprising agility for his size.

These additions signal a shift toward youth and physicality, two traits the Bills have lacked in key playoff moments.

GM Brandon Beane also hinted at the possibility of midseason trades or free agent pickups if the defense doesn’t click right away. “We’re not done building,” Beane said. “We’ll do whatever it takes to give this team the best chance to win.”

McDermott Remains Positive

Despite outside doubts, head coach Sean McDermott remains confident in the team’s direction and the ability of his young players to step up.

“We’re really excited about those young guys,” McDermott said. “They’re not just rookies — they’re quick learners. They’ve been showing promise in early workouts, and our coaching staff is doing a great job integrating them.”

He emphasized that the Bills’ defensive line will set the tone this season. “As the D-line goes, so does our defense. We’re going to be aggressive, and we’re going to compete.”

McDermott also believes that leadership from veterans like Von Miller and Tre’Davious White will help mentor the younger players and keep the team focused amid early adversity.

Conclusion: Can the Bills Overcome the Noise?

The Buffalo Bills are entering the 2025 season with both high hopes and high pressure. They have the talent, coaching, and offensive firepower to contend for a championship — but only if the defense holds up.

With early-season suspensions, a contract dispute looming, and injury concerns, the road to the Super Bowl won’t be easy. Yet, as any football fan knows, teams often define their legacy by how they respond to challenges — not just how they perform when everything goes right.

One thing is clear: Buffalo’s 2025 season will be one of the most watched and talked-about campaigns in recent NFL history.

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