Bills Use Bye Week to Address Defensive Struggles

The team is reviewing defensive performance after consistently allowing high scores this season.

Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Football

Bills Use Bye Week to Address Defensive Struggles

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Can the Buffalo Bills realistically win a Super Bowl with their current defensive performance?

The Buffalo Bills are currently in their bye week following a 33-30 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders. Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is utilizing this break to analyze defensive errors that have plagued the team recently.

Why it matters

The defense has struggled to contain opposing passing attacks, allowing at least 29 points in five separate games this season. Improving this unit is vital for the team's postseason aspirations as they prepare for the second half of the schedule.

The Buffalo Bills allowed 30 points in their recent 33-30 win, marking the fifth time the defense has surrendered 29 or more points this season.

The players

Jim Leonhard

He serves as the defensive coordinator for the Buffalo Bills and is responsible for managing the team's defensive schemes and player assignments.

C.J. Gardner-Johnson

He is a professional safety currently serving a suspension for violating league conduct rules regarding on-field sportsmanship.

Brandon Beane

He is the general manager of the Buffalo Bills and oversees the team's roster construction, scouting departments, and contract negotiations.

The details

Defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard is focused on correcting lapses in pass defense during this downtime. Separately, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson faces a one-game suspension for spitting at an opponent, leaving a gap in the secondary as the team looks ahead.

November 1, 2026: The Buffalo Bills play the Baltimore Ravens.
November 10, 2026: The NFL trade deadline occurs.

Season Trajectory

The team's defensive adjustments during the bye week are critical to stabilizing their playoff positioning before the November 10 trade deadline. Acquiring reinforcements could determine whether the roster can effectively compete against high-powered passing attacks in the second half.

Fantasy managers and bettors should note the defensive vulnerability, as the team has yielded at least 29 points in five games. The upcoming absence of C.J. Gardner-Johnson for his one-game suspension may further complicate rotation and pass coverage metrics.

The takeaway

The team must tighten its defensive coverage during the bye week to remain competitive against upcoming opponents. Addressing these schematic gaps is the primary challenge as they aim to avoid the high-scoring defensive collapses seen earlier this season.

What happens next

The Buffalo Bills are scheduled to face the Baltimore Ravens on November 1, 2026. Following that matchup, the NFL trade deadline is set for November 10, 2026, which may see changes to the defensive roster.