1 - Kyle Williams explains defensive pressure vs. Vikings
The Bills focused on improving their defensive line in the 2018 offseason, signing Trent Murphy and Star Lotulelei in free agency before selecting Harrison Phillips in the third round of the 2018 draft. In Week 3 of the 2018 season, their additions paid off in a big way.
Buffalo's defensive line consistently pressured Minnesota quarterback Kirk Cousins in their 27-6 victory. Defensive end Jerry Hughes took advantage of his matchup with tackle Riley Reiff, recording a sack and 10 quarterback hurries. Kyle Williams, Murphy, and Matt Milano also recorded sacks on the day. The Bills' defense combined for five quarterback hits.
Williams feels as though Buffalo capitalized on what was in front of them on Sunday, taking advantage of the one-on-one matchups found across the line.
"When you get your one-on-one matchups, that's when you have to deliver," Williams told WGR550. "Some games, a guy like Jerry or me or our other guys, it could be any of us, you may only get five, you may only get ten, sometimes you may only get two. The number doesn't really matter, you don't really know. We always say, 'Hey we don't decide who gets the sack, the offensive coordinator for the other team does depending on how he wants to block us.'"
The veteran defensive tackle thinks the that Bills' line will carry its momentum into the team's Week 4 matchup with the Green Bay Packers.
"It's a really neat place," Williams said. "I think for guys that have never been there, it's a neat experience, it's a fun experience. But at the same time, we're going over there for a purpose and for a reason. We've got a big week of preparation in front of us because [Aaron Rodgers] is one of the best to ever do it. We have to be on our 'P's and 'Q's."
2 - Hyde 'excited' to return to Green Bay
Micah Hyde has found a home with the Buffalo Bills.
Hyde, who was selected by the Green Bay Packers in the fifth round of the 2013 draft, inked a five-year deal with the Bills in the 2017 offseason. Hyde's versatility made him an attractive target for new Buffalo coach Sean McDermott, who quickly identified the defensive back as the starting free safety in the Bills' new 4-3 scheme.
The call of duty was not too big for Hyde, who was a Swiss Army knife of a defender in Green Bay. In 2016, Hyde saw time at cornerback, nickel, safety, and even defensive end.
Hyde broke out as one of the best safeties in the league in 2017, totaling 82 tackles and five interceptions. He finished second among safeties with 13 pass deflections and went to his first career Pro Bowl.
The 27-year-old has already become a fan favorite in the city of Buffalo. He'll take on his former team for the first time this Sunday when the Bills travel to Lambeau Field to take on the Packers. Hyde has fond memories of his time in Green Bay.
"I already have started thinking about that," Hyde said. "There are a lot of teammates that I played with on that team, and it's a great organization. They gave me my first shot in the NFL and drafted me, and I have nothing but good things to say about the organization.
"I'm excited to go back and see it from the other side. It will be weird at first, but I'm excited to play against some of my buddies. I'm still really good friends with some of the guys from the team. It's going to be fun."
3 - Bills coaching staff 'extremely proud' of Ryan Lewis
Work ethic and strong character are traits that Buffalo head coach Sean McDermott values in his players. He and general manager Brandon Beane identified these attributes in cornerback Ryan Lewis before the start of the 2018 season, claiming him off of waivers after he released by the New England Patriots.
Fast forward to Week 3, and the former undrafted free agent out of Pitt is already a starter in the Bills' secondary. A few injuries left Buffalo with just four healthy cornerbacks ahead of their Week 3 matchup with the Vikings. With Taron Johnson primarily playing in the slot and Lafayette Pitts being a key special-teamer, Lewis was forced to start on the boundary opposite Tre'Davious White.
He didn't disappoint.
Lewis played well in his NFL debut, recording two tackles. According to Pro Football Focus, he was effective in coverage, allowing just three receptions for 24 yards. The outlet gave him a coverage grade of 64.8.
Lewis impressed McDermott with his performance on Sunday.
"I'm extremely proud of Ryan," McDermott said. "I think we as a staff and his teammates were extremely proud of him. To come in just over two weeks ago, I just really appreciate the way he was ready to go when his number was called. That's a part of what we do and who we are. (Secondary) coach (John) Butler got him ready and then Ryan put the time in himself and did a good job out there. He played physical, tough-nosed football."
