We have thoroughly discussed the fact that the Buffalo Bills can't defend tight ends. Entering Sunday's game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Bills had given up 22 catches, 281 yards and three touchdowns to opposing tight ends. That trend continued in the Bills' 36-26 loss to Jacksonville, with Marcedes Lewis catching four passes for 54 yards and two scores.
In all, the Bills have surrendered 28 catches, 353 yards and five scores to tight ends in the team's first five games. But it's important to note that Buffalo's struggles defending the pass - which clearly stem from their inability to defend the run - extend beyond the realm of tight ends.
The top receiving threats of Buffalo's opponents to date - a very strong group including Brandon Marshall, Greg Jennings, Randy Moss, Braylon Edwards and Mike Sims-Walker - have had outstanding production, as well. In five games, those five receivers have combined to catch 21 passes for 263 yards and a further four scores.
The problem, of course, lies at linebacker, where the Bills lack both pass rushers and players with any semblance of quality coverage ability. Players like Chris Kelsay and Paul Posluszny are routinely left to play deeper zone coverages, and the results speak for themselves. The team's pass-rushing woes are well-documented. The bottom line here is that Buffalo's defense isn't going to improve until they get better athletes, and better production, at the linebacker position.