The Buffalo Bills will again be without their star defensive tackle, Ed Oliver, for Monday Night Football. His absence is particularly impactful for a defense that has struggled this season, putting the team at a disadvantage.
However, it’s worth noting that Oliver has also faced challenges in stopping the run, so his absence might not be as detrimental as it seems.
The Bills’ defense needs to step up against a Jets offense eager to recover from a disappointing start to the season. They cannot afford to let Aaron Rodgers and the Jets shine in this primetime matchup.
The Jets boast a strong running game featuring Breece Hall and Braelon Allen, though Hall has had a tough 2024 season so far.
This year, Hall is averaging just three yards per carry, accumulating 197 rushing yards and two touchdowns. In their previous encounter, Hall rushed for an impressive 127 yards against the Bills. He’ll be looking to replicate that success in this game, making it crucial for the Bills’ defense to contain him.
With Oliver out, rookie defensive tackle DeWayne Carter, a third-round pick from Duke, has an opportunity to step in. While Carter didn’t make much of an impact in the first three games, he has been more involved in the last two.
Surprisingly, his stats are comparable to Oliver’s this season, with both averaging around three total tackles per game. Carter won’t need to play every down due to the Bills’ rotation strategy, but he must be effective in pressuring Rodgers and controlling the Jets’ ground game.
If Carter can prove himself against a division rival, he could earn the respect of Bills fans and solidify his place in the team’s future plans.
