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Power ranking the NFL defenses for 2019

By Russell S. Baxter

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 05: Russell Wilson #3 of the Seattle Seahawks is sacked by Demarcus Lawrence #90 of the Dallas Cowboys in the first half during the Wild Card Round at AT&T Stadium on January 05, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 30: Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills looks on during NFL game action against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field on December 30, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images)
BUFFALO, NY – DECEMBER 30: Jerry Hughes #55 of the Buffalo Bills looks on during NFL game action against the Miami Dolphins at New Era Field on December 30, 2018 in Buffalo, New York. (Photo by Tom Szczerbowski/Getty Images) /

10. Buffalo Bills

2018 Review: Only the Baltimore Ravens allowed fewer yards per game and no team in the league surrendered fewer yards through the air. But the Bills were still far from perfect on this side of the ball because this unit was inconsistent when it came to stopping the run. Some of that had to do with the offense’s shortcomings but this group could be had when lining up against some of the NFL’s better offensive lines. Still, Sean McDermott’s team proved to be pretty opportunistic, forcing 27 turnovers. End Jerry Hughes led the team with seven sacks.

2019 Key Additions: General manager Brandon Beane used the ninth overall pick in April’s draft to grab very-talented defensive tackle Ed Oliver. In free agency, the Bills added veteran pieces such as cornerback Kevin Johnson (Texans), safety Kurt Coleman and versatile Maurice Alexander. Along with Oliver, the Bills also added three more defenders in the draft in linebacker Vosean Joseph, safety Jaquan Johnson and end Darryl Johnson, Jr.

Analysis: The addition of Oliver could mean big things for a unit that has the potential to take another step forward. Improving against the run is priority number one for McDermott and defensive coordinator Leslie Frazier. This group has its share of solid pass-rushers in Hughes, Trent Murphy and Lorenzo Alexander. And if the Bills can turn some of those takeaways into direct scores this season, this defense could carry the club into the playoffs.

Next: No. 9

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