The return of two tackles helps the Buffalo Bills’ defense.
Jordan Phillips has experienced leaving the Bills to play football elsewhere, either voluntarily or as a result of unavoidable circumstances.
The ten-year defensive tackle has also become accustomed to gladly rejoining Buffalo whenever the opportunity arises.
When Phillips returned to the Bills for the third time on Wednesday, such was the situation. One day after being cut loose by the Dallas Cowboys, he joined with them. Phillips said that his resignation was due to a dispute with the squad, especially after he was placed on injured reserve for seven weeks due to a wrist injury.
“You get what I mean when I say that it’s a hell of a drug to see the smiles and to truly be wanted? When it’s in the correct setting, you can do a lot for individuals,” Phillips stated, adding that he has completely healed. “The Bills like my taste, but I’m an acquired taste.”
Phillips returned to Buffalo for a second two-year stay in 2022 after leaving the Bills to join with Arizona in 2020, but he was not re-signed last spring. “I’m glad about it, so don’t feel like I left. “All set to go to work,” Phillips remarked.
Quinton Jefferson, a defensive tackle who signed with the Bills the day after being cut by the Cleveland Browns, also joined Phillips in going back to Buffalo. Nine-year veteran Jefferson played with Buffalo during the 2020 season.
“I had a few choices. However, I most certainly wanted to return here,” Jefferson remarked. “Winning culture.” They are familiar with me. They are aware of my skill set. And it appeared to be a fantastic opportunity and a perfect match.
The players’ adjustment should be facilitated by their experience with the defense as Buffalo (7-2) prepares to play Indianapolis (4-5) on Sunday.
The Bills have concentrated on bolstering an unreliable and injury-plagued run defense in order to help them win the AFC East for the sixth consecutive year and advance further into the playoffs, despite having little money in their salary cap.
Matt Milano, the starting linebacker, hasn’t played since August and isn’t anticipated to return until next month after tearing his left biceps. Due to wrist injuries, rookie defensive lineman DeWayne Carter and edge rusher Dawuane Smoot are both on injured reserve; both are anticipated to make a comeback next month.
Five times this season, Buffalo’s defense has given up 120 yards or more in running, including 271 yards in a Week 4 loss to Baltimore that ended in a score of 35–10. In their 30-27 victory against Miami last Saturday, they also gave up 149 running yards.
Coach Sean McDermott stated, “It’s all about trying to make our team better as much as we can, whether that means giving up the running yards we gave up last week or adding players for the future here.”
Due to wrist injury, quarterback Josh Allen could be forced to start without two important receivers, Amari Cooper and Keon Coleman. Coleman, who was injured against Miami, may not be able to play this Sunday, while Cooper, who missed Sunday’s game, has continued to practice sparingly, McDermott said.
Buffalo’s balanced offensive strategy, which has already seen 11 different players catch at least one of Allen’s 17 touchdown throws this season, will be even more important if one or both players are unable to participate.
Phillips has experienced this type of comeback before. After the Dolphins became weary of his patchy play, the Bills claimed him off waivers in 2018.
That is the game’s name. It’s when you get harmed, not if you get hurt, isn’t it? Allen stated. “With who we have, we rock.” Thus, we’ll be ready in any situation.
The Bills just ended a game in which Allen completed three straight drives in the second half with touchdown throws to third-string tight end Quintin Morris, rookie running back Ray Davis, and receiver Mack Hollins.
Allen’s touchdown output hasn’t decreased much, despite the fact that the Bills’ receiving corps has been put together, particularly prior to Cooper’s arrival in a trade from Cleveland three weeks ago. He had 18 touchdown passes in the first nine games of the previous season, and Buffalo has now scored 30 points or more six times this season, which is the same amount as last year.
On Monday, offensive coordinator Joe Brady stated, “We’re just trying to find a way to get one more point, regardless of how we win.” Every game can be different, including whether we need to run it frequently, throw it, or be a bit more balanced.
