There have been some really strong defensive units in Bills franchise history. The mid-60's defensive units that helped propel the Bills to back-to-back AFL titles. The physical early 80's units under head coach Chuck Knox. The '88 defense that lifted Buffalo to their first division title in nine years. The '99 defense that topped the league and the 2004 defense that came within a win of the postseason.
The Bills 2019 defense belongs in that same generational category. Leslie Frazier's unit was the first since the 2004 squad to finish in the top 10 in total defense, run defense, pass defense and scoring defense.
This past season, Buffalo's 'D' ranked third in the NFL overall, 10th against the run, fourth against the pass and second in points allowed. They also had top 10 rankings in first downs allowed, (6th), third down defense (7th), total takeaways (9th) and sacks (10th).
To find top 10 rankings in that many categories you have to go back to Buffalo's number one defense in '99.
| Where Bills rank in 2019 NFL defensive rankings | Numbers |
|---|---|
| No. 2 in points allowed | 16.2 ppg |
| No. 3 in total defense | 298.3 yds/gm |
| No. 4 in pass defense | 195.2 yds/gm |
| No. 6 in first downs allowed | 262 |
| No. 7 in third down defense | 35.8% |
| No. 10 in run defense | 103.1 yds/gm |
| No. 10 in sacks | 44 |
With head coach Sean McDermott's mantra of 'doing your one-eleventh' and Frazier's clever game planning, Buffalo's defense often had their opponents stifled. Only one opponent (Philadelphia) scored 25 points or more and just four managed more than 20.
They embraced the concept of true team defense knowing they were an 11-man unit of very solid talent, rather than a defense that had two or three elite playmakers.
"We talked a lot about doing the things that we do and just really living up to our standard as a defense," said Frazier. "That was the approach throughout each week. Just don't feel like you've got to do anything extraordinary. Just do the ordinary things very, very well. We felt like if we could just stay in that frame of mind, good things would happen."
"There's no guy on our defense that just stands out," said Tre'Davious White, the lone Pro Bowl representative for the unit. "Anybody on any given Sunday can make a big time play and it just shows by the way we go out there and play each and every game. Our coaches do a great job challenging us each and every weekend. We do a great job of responding and taking the coaching and preparing well and believing and playing your one-eleventh and doing a job where we play together and as a group. We're better that way anyway."
Though it's the second straight season Buffalo's defense is a top three unit overall (2nd in 2018) and top five against the pass (1st in 2018), last year's defense couldn't put it all together when it came to run defense (16th) and points allowed (18th).
This year's Bills defense was able to improve dramatically in those areas even though their team's total offense was marginally better than the year before.
The players attribute it to a complete dedication to the offseason process beginning with OTA practices in May and carrying that commitment all the way through the regular season.
"I just saw a lot of guys who wanted to play ball," said Tremaine Edmunds, the team's leading tackler. "A lot of hungry guys out there determined to get to the ball and make a play. When you have guys out there like that it's hard to beat us."
Though the unit did not lose many players to injury, in the times they were down a player or two, their depth came through for them. Whether it was a combination of Kevin Johnson, Dean Marlowe and Siran Neal filling in for an injured Taron Johnson, Kurt Coleman stepping in for Jordan Poyer, Maurice Alexander filling in for Matt Milano or Corey Liuget and Ed Oliver helping to cover for the loss of Harrison Phillips, reserve players responded.
"That was the difference for us this year was the depth of this football team," said Micah Hyde. "In years past, I don't think we had this much depth. This year we did."
After their one subpar performance in the loss to Philadelphia in Week 8, Buffalo's coaches challenged their defenders to be more physical, particularly at the line of scrimmage. The result was a run defense that shaved more than 10 yards off their average allowed per game from 109.4 at midseason to 98 by season's end.
"We've got a great defense, but we were challenged by Philly and Washington on the ground," said Lawson. "The coaches wanted us to step up and play more physical. I feel like we did that. We started with our leader, Tremaine who was leading us great on defense. So that's what we did."
Among the other notable categories where Buffalo's defense ranked in the top 10 were total takeaways (9th), turnover differential (9th), forcing three and outs (4th), negative plays forced (2nd) and passes of 20 yards or more allowed (1st).
"That's what we're all about," said White. "We don't give up big plays. We're a top down defense. We've got a great group of guys up front who have been getting pressure on the quarterback all year and just making the secondary's job so much easier so those guys deserve the credit just as much as we do."
Both Jordan Phillips and Shaq Lawson put together career seasons as Phillips led the AFC in sacks by defensive tackles and tied Lawson for the team lead in tackles for loss. Lawson (18) and Phillips (16) also finished first and second in quarterback hits.
The lack of Pro Bowl recognition for the group did disappoint some, but Lawson sees the Pro Bowl as a popularity contest and that's not something Buffalo's defense expects to win.
"We're built different. We grind different. We don't have that standout star that everyone wants to praise," he said. "We're in Orchard Park. Small area. We're different man. We don't need all that. We've got the team we've got, and we all do our one-eleventh and we're great."
Praise and recognition for Buffalo's defense would be welcome of course, but the coaches and players know that will come only if they improve one key statistic next season.
"What's most important is that we play hard, play smart, play fast, every single Sunday that we're out there and do the things that are necessary to help our team to win," said Frazier. "I think our guys take a lot of pride in their work and what they're trying to get accomplished. The recognition will come as we continue to work as hard as we can to do things the right way. We really can't get caught up in public perception of what's out there. Just come to work every day, just work as hard as you can to get better and help our team win. That's what really matters."
In 2019, the Buffalo Bills celebrated their 60th season as a franchise by going 10-6 in the regular season and clinching the AFC's fifth seed. It is the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills have qualified for the playoffs, and was a great way to celebrate the 60th season of the Buffalo Bills and the 100th season of the NFL. Scroll through to view the top photos and moments from the season.
The Bills got to work early in the offseason, signing free agents that included WR John Brown, WR Cole Beasley, C Mitch Morse, CB Kevin Johnson, T Ty Nsekhe, WR/KR Andre Roberts, TE Tyler Kroft, OL Jon Feliciano and RB Frank Gore.
Buffalo Bills free agent signing at ADPRO Sports Training Center, March 14, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
APR 12, 2019, Orchard Park, NY: The ribbon cutting of the new Buffalo Bills training complex. Photo by Craig Melvin/Buffalo Bills
APR 12, 2019, Orchard Park, NY: The ribbon cutting and tour of the new Buffalo Bills training complex. Photo by Craig Melvin/Buffalo Bills
Tremaine Edmunds - Buffalo Bills players arrive at One Bills Drive for voluntary off-season workouts. April 15, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Micah Hyde - Buffalo Bills players arrive at One Bills Drive for voluntary off-season workouts. April 15, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Brandon Beane speaks with Pancho Billa by phone to let him inform the team draft table in Nashville of their selection of Ed Oliver - Inside the Buffalo Bills Draft Room at One Bills Drive for Round One of the 2019 NFL Draft on April 25, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Houston defensive tackle Ed Oliver takes the stage after the Buffalo Bills selected him in the first round at the NFL football draft, Thursday, April 25, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Mark Humphrey)
Head Coach Sean McDermott addresses fans after taking Ed Oliver ninth overall in the first round of the 2019 NFL Draft .
April 25, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
Cody Ford poses with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after the Buffalo Bills selected Ford during the second round of the NFL football draft, Friday, April 26, 2019, in Nashville, Tenn. (AP Photo/Gregory Payan)
Ed Oliver, Buffalo Bills first round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, at One Bills Drive on April 26, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Cody Ford, Buffalo Bills second round pick in the 2019 NFL Draft, with Brandon Beane and Terry & Kim Pegula at One Bills Drive on April 27, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
The Buffalo Bills announced their Day 3 draft picks from Rochester, NY to honor one of the NFL's original towns and teams - the Rochester Jeffersons.
After selecting Ed Oliver and Cody Ford, the Bills rounded out the draft by selecting RB Devin Singletary, TE Dawson Knox, LB Vosean Joseph, S Jaquan Johnson, DE Darryl Johnson and TE Tommy Sweeney.
Josh Allen - Buffalo Bills, May 15, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Ed Oliver - Buffalo Bills on May 9, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle.
Buffalo Bills take part in Organized Team Activities, May 28, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills Rookie Community Day 2019 Buffalo, NY June 19, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 25, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills Training Camp, July 25, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills honorary captain at the Buffalo Bills Return of the Blue & Red at New Era Field, August 2, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills Return of the Blue & Red at New Era Field, August 2, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Kyle Williams with defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91), Buffalo Bills Return of the Blue & Red at New Era Field, August 2, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills went 4 -0 in the preseason, defeating the Colts, Panthers, Lions and Vikings. A long touchdown run by RB Christian Wade was a highlight of the preseason.
Buffalo Bills running back Christian Wade (45) touchdown Buffalo Bills vs. Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field, August 8, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills went 4 -0 in the preseason, defeating the Colts, Panthers, Lions and Vikings. A long touchdown run by RB Christian Wade was a highlight of the preseason.
Buffalo Bills running back Christian Wade (45) touchdown celebration Buffalo Bills vs Indianapolis Colts at New Era Field, August 8, 2019.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills take part in a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, August 13, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills take part in a joint practice with the Carolina Panthers at Wofford College in Spartanburg, South Carolina, August 13, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills opened the season against the Jets at Metlife Stadium.
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, September 8, 2019 Metlife Stadium. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
The Bills opened the season in New Jersey with a comeback win over the Jets, 17 - 16. Josh Allen and John Brown connected on a 38-yard TD pass with 3:00 left to put the Bills ahead.
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, September 8, 2019 at MetLife Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills opened the season in New Jersey with a comeback win over the Jets, 17 - 16. Josh Allen and John Brown connected on a 38-yard TD pass with 3:00 left to put the Bills ahead.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown (15) touchdown Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, September 8, 2019 Metlife Stadium. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
The Bills opened the season in New Jersey with a comeback win over the Jets, 17 - 16. Players celebrated with Owner Terry Pegula in the locker room after the game.
Buffalo Bills at New York Jets, September 8, 2019 at MetLife Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills went back to MetLife Stadium in Week 2, beating the Giants 28 - 14. Josh Allen, Devin Singletary and Frank Gore had rushing touchdowns, while Isaiah McKenzie added a receiving touchdown. Jordan Poyer and Trent Murphy had interceptions.
Harrison Phillips. Buffalo Bills at New York Giants, September 15, 2019 at MetLife Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills went back to MetLife Stadium in Week 2, beating the Giants 28 - 14. Josh Allen, Devin Singletary and Frank Gore had rushing touchdowns, while Isaiah McKenzie added a receiving touchdown. Jordan Poyer and Trent Murphy had interceptions.
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Cody Ford (70) and offensive guard Jon Feliciano (76) Buffalo Bills at New York Giants, September 15, 2019 at MetLife Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills went back to MetLife Stadium in Week 2, beating the Giants 28 - 14. Josh Allen was 19/30 passing for 253 yards and a touchdown. He also ran for a score.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and New York Giants running back Saquon Barkley (26) Buffalo Bills at New York Giants, September 15, 2019 Metlife Stadium. Photo by Jeffrey T. Barnes
The Bills honored the life of super fan "Pancho Billa" prior to the home opener against the Bengals.
Buffalo Bills vs. Cincinnati Bengals at New Era Field, September 22, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills opened the season at home with a win to move their record to 3-0. Jordan Poyer had 10 tackles and Tre'Davious White had two interceptions.
Dawson Knox catch and run. Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 22, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills opened the season at home with a win to move their record to 3-0. Josh Allen threw for 243 yards and a score.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 22, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills Legend Marv Levy Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, September 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills vs Cincinnati Bengals, September 22, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) touchdown Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, September 29, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
As part of "Fantennial Weekend" to celebrate NFL 100, the Buffalo Bills celebrate the marriage of Mackenzie Park and Jordan Binggeli, the winning couple from the "Halftime Wedding Experience of a Lifetime" contest, at New Era Field on September 29th 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
Frank Gore. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, September 29, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills bounced back on the road to move their record to 4-1 with a 14 -7 win over the Titans. Duke Williams and Lee Smith had the touchdowns, while Buffalo's defense had 5 sacks and only gave up 252 yards of offense.
Shaq Lawson and Kurt Coleman. Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans, October 6, 2019 at Nissan Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills bounced back on the road to move their record to 4-1 with a 14 -7 win over the Titans. Duke Williams and Lee Smith had the touchdowns, while Buffalo's defense had 5 sacks and only gave up 252 yards of offense.
Jordan Phillips sack celebration. Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans, October 6, 2019 at Nissan Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills bounced back on the road to move their record to 4-1 with a 14 -7 win over the Titans. Duke Williams and Lee Smith had the touchdowns, while Buffalo's defense had 5 sacks and only gave up 252 yards of offense.
Duke Williams postgame celebration. Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans, October 6, 2019 at Nissan Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills bounced back on the road to move their record to 4-1 with a 14 -7 win over the Titans. It was estimated that there were about 30,000 Bills fans in attendance.
Buffalo Bills Duke Williams (82). Buffalo Bills vs Tennessee Titans at Nissan Stadium on October 6, 2019 . Photo by Craig Melvin
Buffalo Bills Crucial Catch Family Fun Night. October 15, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills moved to 5 -1 in Week 7 after beating the Dolphins 31 - 21 following the bye week. John Brown and Cole Beasley had receiving touchdowns, while Tre'Davious White added another interception.
Josh Allen. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills moved to 5 -1 in Week 7 after beating the Dolphins 31 - 21 following the bye week. John Brown and Cole Beasley had receiving touchdowns, while Tre'Davious White added another interception.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) interception Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills moved to 5 -1 in Week 7 after beating the Dolphins 31 - 21 following the bye week. John Brown and Cole Beasley had receiving touchdowns, while Tre'Davious White added another interception.
Micah Hyde onside kick recovery for a touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, October 20, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Josh Allen. Buffalo Bills vs Philadelphia Eagles, October 27, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
Cole Beasley touchdown and leap into the fans. Buffalo Bills vs Philadelphia Eagles, October 27, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
Week 9 against Washington saw the Bills get back in the win column after a 24 - 9 win over Washington. This moved the Bills to 6 -2 on the season.
Buffalo Bills running back Devin Singletary (26) leaps into the endzone after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Washington Redskins, November 3, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Nicholas T. LoVerde
Week 9 against Washington saw the Bills get back in the win column after a 24 - 9 win over Washington. This moved the Bills to 6 -2 on the season.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) sack of Washington Redskins quarterback Dwayne Haskins (7) Buffalo Bills vs Washington Redskins, November 3, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Week 9 against Washington saw the Bills get back in the win column after a 24 - 9 win over Washington. This moved the Bills to 6 -2 on the season.
Touchdown Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley (10) Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Redskins at New Era Field, November 3, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) safety Buffalo Bills at Cleveland Browns, November 10, 2019 at FirstEnergy Stadium. Photo by Sara Schmidle
Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) Buffalo Bills vs Cleveland Browns at First Energy Stadium on November 10, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
The Bills went back on the road and beat Miami 37 - 20 in Week 11 to improve to 7-3 on the year. Josh Allen threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, while the defense combine for 7 sacks on the day.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver John Brown (15) touchdown Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, November 17, 2019 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills went back on the road and beat Miami 37 - 20 in Week 11 to improve to 7-3 on the year. Josh Allen threw for 3 touchdowns and ran for another, while the defense combine for 7 sacks on the day.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) Buffalo Bills vs Miami Dolphins, November 17, 2019 at Hard Rock Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills Thanksgiving Blitz, Food Bank of WNY, November 19, 2019. Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills returned home and celebrated their Salute to Service game day with a 20 - 3 win over Denver. Tre'Davious White had another interception and the defense limited the Broncos to just 134 total yards.
Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos at New Era Field, November 24, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
The Bills returned home and celebrated their Salute to Service game day with a 20 - 3 win over Denver. Tre'Davious White had another interception and the defense limited the Broncos to just 134 total yards.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) celebrates with Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos, November 24, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills returned home and celebrated their Salute to Service game day with a 20 - 3 win over Denver. Tre'Davious White had another interception and the defense limited the Broncos to just 134 total yards.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Ed Oliver (91) celebrates his sack of Denver Broncos quarterback Brandon Allen (2) with Shaq Lawson. Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos, November 24, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills returned home and celebrated their Salute to Service game day with a 20 - 3 win over Denver. Tre'Davious White had another interception and the defense limited the Broncos to just 134 total yards.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) touchdown pass to wide receiver John Brown (15) Buffalo Bills vs Denver Broncos, November 24, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
In the national spotlight on Thanksgiving, the Bills beat the Cowboys 26 - 15 in Dallas for their third win in a row to improve to 9-3. Josh Allen and John Brown both threw touchdown passes, while Star Lotulelei had an interception. Cole Beasley caught a TD pass in his return to Dallas.
Buffalo Bills center Mitch Morse (60) Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
In the national spotlight on Thanksgiving, the Bills beat the Cowboys 26 - 15 in Dallas for their third win in a row to improve to 9-3. Josh Allen and John Brown both threw touchdown passes, while Star Lotulelei had an interception. Cole Beasley caught a TD pass in his return to Dallas.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Cole Beasley (10) Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
In the national spotlight on Thanksgiving, the Bills beat the Cowboys 26 - 15 in Dallas for their third win in a row to improve to 9-3. Josh Allen and John Brown both threw touchdown passes, while Star Lotulelei had an interception. Cole Beasley caught a TD pass in his return to Dallas.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) and cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
In the national spotlight on Thanksgiving, the Bills beat the Cowboys 26 - 15 in Dallas for their third win in a row to improve to 9-3. Josh Allen and John Brown both threw touchdown passes, while Star Lotulelei had an interception. Cole Beasley caught a TD pass in his return to Dallas.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) celebrates. Buffalo Bills vs Dallas Cowboys, November 28, 2019 at AT&T Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills free safety Jordan Poyer (21) Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, December 8, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
Ravens plays are swept across the field by the wind as Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27) has some fun with them Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens game at New Era Field on December 8, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
Buffalo Bills cornerback Levi Wallace (39) Buffalo Bills vs Baltimore Ravens, December 8, 2019 at New Era Field. Photo by Bill Wippert
After being flexed to Sunday Night Football on NBC, the Bills clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 17 - 10 win over the Steelers. Tre'Davious White had two interceptions, while Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace added picks to seal the game and improve the Bills to 10 - 4.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Tre'Davious White (27)Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 15, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
After being flexed to Sunday Night Football on NBC, the Bills clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 17 - 10 win over the Steelers. Tre'Davious White had two interceptions, while Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace added picks to seal the game and improve the Bills to 10 - 4.
Tyler Kroft fourth quarter touchdown. Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers, December 15, 2019 at Heinz Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
After being flexed to Sunday Night Football on NBC, the Bills clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 17 - 10 win over the Steelers. Tre'Davious White had two interceptions, while Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace added picks to seal the game and improve the Bills to 10 - 4.
Buffalo Bills cornerback Levi Wallace (39) interception Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers, December 15, 2019 at Heinz Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
After being flexed to Sunday Night Football on NBC, the Bills clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 17 - 10 win over the Steelers. Tre'Davious White had two interceptions, while Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace added picks to seal the game and improve the Bills to 10 - 4.
Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott with Bills fans Buffalo Bills at Pittsburgh Steelers at Heinz Field on December 15, 2019. Photo by Craig Melvin
After being flexed to Sunday Night Football on NBC, the Bills clinched a spot in the playoffs with a 17 - 10 win over the Steelers. Tre'Davious White had two interceptions, while Jordan Poyer and Levi Wallace added picks to seal the game and improve the Bills to 10 - 4. It was believed to be the first time in 92 years that three brothers played in the same game.
Tremaine Edmunds and brothers, Terrell (middle) and Trey (right). Buffalo Bills vs Pittsburgh Steelers, December 15, 2019 at Heinz Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
Fans greet the Buffalo Bills at the airport following their victory in Pittsburgh. December 16, 2019. Photo by Bill Wippert
Ed Oliver and Micah Hyde tackle Tom Brady. Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, December 21, 2019 at Gillette Stadium. Photo by Bill Wippert
Buffalo Bills offensive tackle Dion Dawkins (73) touchdown Buffalo Bills vs New England Patriots, December 21, 2019 at Gillette Stadium. Photo by Bill Wippert
With the #5 seed in the AFC Playoffs locked up, the Bills tested many different lineup combinations in Week 17 against the Jets.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets, December 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
With the #5 seed in the AFC Playoffs locked up, the Bills tested many different lineup combinations in Week 17 against the Jets. It turned out to be the final home game for Lorenzo Alexander.
Buffalo Bills vs. New York Jets at New Era Field, December 29, 2019.
Photo by Sara Schmidle
With the #5 seed in the AFC Playoffs locked up, the Bills tested many different lineup combinations in Week 17 against the Jets. It turned out to be the final home game for Lorenzo Alexander.
Trent Murphy, Corey Liuget, Vincent Taylor, Darryl Johnson. Buffalo Bills vs New York Jets, December 29, 2019 at New Era Field.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills traveled to Houston to play the #4 seed Texans on Saturday, Jan. 4. It was the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills would appear in the playoffs. The Bills eventually fell in overtime, 22 - 19.
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans - AFC Wild Card playoff, January 4, 2020 at NRG Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills traveled to Houston to play the #4 seed Texans on Saturday, Jan. 4. It was the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills would appear in the playoffs. The Bills eventually fell in overtime, 22 - 19.
Buffalo Bills defensive tackle Jordan Phillips (97) Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans - AFC Wild Card playoff, January 4, 2020 at NRG Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills traveled to Houston to play the #4 seed Texans on Saturday, Jan. 4. It was the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills would appear in the playoffs. The Bills eventually fell in overtime, 22 - 19.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Duke Williams (82) Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 4, 2020. Photo by Craig Melvin
Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen (17) touchdown catch. Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans - AFC Wild Card playoff, January 4, 2020 at NRG Stadium. Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills traveled to Houston to play the #4 seed Texans on Saturday, Jan. 4. It was the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills would appear in the playoffs. The Bills eventually fell in overtime, 22 - 19.
Buffalo Bills middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds (49) sack of Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson (4) Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans at NRG Stadium on January 4, 2020. Photo by Craig Melvin
The Bills traveled to Houston to play the #4 seed Texans on Saturday, Jan. 4. It was the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the Bills would appear in the playoffs. The Bills eventually fell in overtime, 22 - 19. Lorenzo Alexander announced his retirement following the game.
Buffalo Bills vs Houston Texans - AFC Wild Card playoff, January 4, 2020 at NRG Stadium.
Photo by Bill Wippert
The Bills finished the regular season at 10 - 6 and as the AFC's #5 seed, marking the second time in three seasons under Sean McDermott that the team qualified for the playoffs.
Tre'Davious White was named to his first Pro Bowl, while Tremaine Edmunds, Mitch Morse, Andre Roberts, John Brown, Frank Gore, Jordan Phillips and Jerry Hughes were named alternates.
To the best fans in the NFL, thank you! We will see you during the 2020 season.
