Can Buffalo Bills defense do enough in playoffs to support Josh Allen-led Super Bowl run?

Can the Buffalo Bills' defense carry them through the NFL playoffs? As the Bills gear up for the postseason, their defensive strategies and player performances are under the spotlight. With key players like Matt Milano and Dorian Williams making waves, the team is poised for a potential deep run. Host Joe Marino and guest expert Anthony Prohaska dissect the dynamics of the Bills' defense, from individual player decisions to group performance in pass rush and coverage. They explore the challenges of third-down defense and the reliance on takeaways, offering insights into how these factors might shape the Bills' playoff journey.
Tune in to discover how the Buffalo Bills are strategizing for success and what it means for their postseason aspirations.
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[@jameslaclair4585]

Bills fans are blessed to have you Two

[@rorydwyer2189]

damn you know it’s time for bed in 45 minutes when you accidentally stay up for the morning’s locked on bills podcast

[@christ6927]

I know right!? I saw Ant was on and changed my whole days plans. lol go bills.

[@sweetspike]

Cover 1 + Joe Marino = the best

[@aeb814]

💯

[@edkeighron4069]

@@aeb814 As soon as I saw the guest I knew this was going to be a good one.

[@aeb814]

@ Yuuup! Would love to see that combo more often.

[@dr.brianadams6542]

Two of my favorite dudes, great pod Joe

[@robertcarney8835]

Go Bills!! Thailand branch of the Bills Mafia lol!!😁

[@michaell5026]

What a fantastic watch. Great analysis guys!

[@danno7466]

Sure great when Ant shows up. Great discussions across the board. The boys bring the deets. Go Bills.

[@LockedOnBills]

He's the man!

[@davidharrison6805]

Goodmorning Joe. Interesting segment. Thank you for your honest analytical assessment.

[@jeanphickey]

Joe and Anthony are terrific! Thanks for your insights, guys!

[@quinnjackson9252]

Go Bills! Love the breakdown!! I personally love some of the potential plays that Matt Milano unlocks being back. I’ve said that it will probably take 8 ish games to get the rust off, and he’s looking like he is on track to really be in a good spot this offseason. I think he should be able to allow for some better spy options against Jackson and Henry, and hopefully allow for the Bills to throw some new curve balls at Mahomes to throw him off his game like they did in the first matchup.

[@wyomingtrout5581]

I cannot believe how the pundits have this fear of the Bengals, bring them on. If they are the best of the wildcards lets beat them, the Ravens and then the Chiefs and getter done the hardest way. Then there will be no doubts that the Bills belong in the SB. If we lose, we will recover just like we have since wide Right, Music City Miracle and 13 seconds. We have Josh Allen and he will make every season relevant going forward.

[@peterwilson4865]

I get the sentiment and all and respect the opinion, but they just need to get there and very few great SB teams have had to face the toughest possible road to get those rings. NFC North is a brutally physical division, so even if Buffalo can boat race them, it could lead to greater injury attrition as Buffalo would advance through each round with that path. Look at what happened against Pittsburgh last year and the defense that Buffalo was fielding against KC in the divisional game the following week. Plus the Cincy offense will be able to score a bunch against Buffalo's typical zone defense, so margin for error is thinner than with Denver or Miami. No thanks.

[@ArtemioMarifosque]

My family watches you now here in Philippines 7pm of Friday. Our D shall take care of their rookie QB & their hot players. No way will our D let them outnumber QB Mitch points to the wire. Cheers Matt w/ Hungrier & Angrier D squad! Never give dProudBoys Patriots the Rock.

[@jameslaclair4585]

Bishop might be better against the run. Undoubtedly teams will run against the Bills in the playoffs

[@sarahchristine2345]

I agree, I’d like to see Bishop out there at least splitting snaps

[@amydarley3822]

Bishop is special, I completely agree. He’s going to be good for Buffalo for a long time.

[@jasonb9198]

Totally...run the ball and keep it out of Josh's hands. Between our run and 3rd down D...not feeling great.

[@hairpunut]

He's likely to be better against both. Hamlin is a great tackeler though. Yes he has his downfalls. But rarely misses a tackle like most of the team. Honestly this year has been the best year for players not missing tacklers

[@loganstolberg2743]

@@jasonb9198how would you slow down or shut down Mahomes.

[@bellarose6218]

I hope our Defense saved the best for the playoffs 💪 🙏

[@JoviPatriot716]

Dorian Williams did a really good job timing snaps and blitzing. He’s super fast. We should use him more

[@00laramie]

Our defense is a wet paper bag 🤦🏻‍♂️. We suck against the run and when it matters most we get zero pass rush from the dline. Just pray we can keep putting up 40

[@michaell5026]

I feel the same way. There's no way this defense can close a game either.

[@Flux06-dy3ru]

i guess this is why we have so many losses. Superbowl window closed.

[@00laramie]

@ lol I didn’t say it was closed but I’m just stating a fact that our defense isn’t very good.

[@hairpunut]

​@@00laramie Our defense is not built to stop the run bud. The pass rush is yes an issue. But our defense can do run stopping sometimes it just we preach letting runs happen. Marino talks about this all the time, the bills allow runs to stop the pass mostly. As they trust our top corners to stop players. Not has it been perfect no but it's been good. We're one of the top teams in take aways though guy so maybe look at the positives. We have more take ways then most teams. Our team is built around big play hunting. We put up points on defense more. Now he's last year we were better in some ways. But they changed out the way we play to well beat the chiefs mainly

[@00laramie]

@ I agree. And I’m not trying to be negative. I legit love our team. Just feel like the defense lets us down when it matters most. We will need a pass rush to beat Mahomes and Lamar.

[@alexmcclain9186]

Playoff defense is def my biggest worry

[@Gmoney375ps3]

We are so lucky to have you Joe. You are the Josh Allen of podcasts and this is the most fun I’ve ever had as a Bills fan and I’ve been all in since’85

[@jonjohn7185]

Get joes video to 1k likes so his video shows up in algorithm.

[@CoachBombay91]

Joe, love the show! Thanks for consistently bringing great content and energy to Bills fans. This year, could you consider adding timestamps to your videos? It would make it easier to navigate and jump to specific sections people are most interested in. Go Bills! ❤💙

[@louisejackson3931]

❤❤❤good morning Joe great content

[@RobertAWilson]

Good Morning Anthony and Joe

[@buffalobill2268]

Excellent episode! Go Bills!

[@steveoshei1819]

These 2 really know the x's & o's. Great insight!

[@whatt7734]

Cole should’ve got more time earlier in the year to learn and grow. Hamlin was never going to be a long time solution at safety

[@Drew-cc3hp]

Fantastic episode!

[@taglientep]

Go bills! Great pod!

[@rsmith247]

Go BILLS!

[@Low196]

SB caliber offense. 2 round exit defense. I just don’t trust the defense to have consecutive quality playoff games against the physical, upper tier offenses. Especially the interior defense line. Allen is going to have to put the cape on.

[@mikep3813]

Good thing he's got a closet full of them. Go Bills 🦬

[@jcZo23]

Defense will ultimately, like every year, be the reason they go home early, the dL is garbagio

[@mattturley3721]

When the Qb has all day to throw the ball because a defense can’t stop the run that makes life hard on safeties. DT is our number one problem. If we get a bit of disruption on the line then we aren’t talking as much about safety position cause they weren’t gonna be near as exposed. Off season… get dominate DT If possible

[@jcZo23]

Makes it hard on everyone in coverage

[@ericaures4734]

The two best in the business together. Ant is second only to Joe in the entire content industry. Give me this every day, please. 1A Joe 1B Ant 1C Eric Ant’s co-host Go Bills.

[@meatwad61]

Man, Joe 🤝 Ant is a match made in Bills heaven! You guys are both so great at what you do, please never stop! Go Bills

[@LockedOnBills]

It's great to be able to talk Bills with him, he's awesome!

[@meatwad61]

@ for sure, you’re the best (imo) with overview / synthesis analysis, where Ant is the king of breaking down the finest of details. Keep these comin! All the best, Joe. -Paddy

[@LeeB-p1h]

Bills defense needs to take chances. blitz. extra pressure. if they give up a big play here and there better than having Allen on the bench . D needs to find ways to get 3-4 stops a game

[@1Ctbillsfan]

Go Bills from the Northwest CT Bills Backers in Winsted, CT !!! 💯🤟😎

[@DavidPricegprofile]

Great convo.

[@damienwilliams5590]

You 2 need a show together you guys are amazing together wow

[@MattWilliams-w3n]

Go Bills! I think we need to go back to stunting the defensive line more regularly but especially in key moments

[@rightoamigos]

"It would be nice to have a little more stoutness." Been saying that for years now. Win it all or lose, all eyes are on the personnel decisions for the upcoming free agency and the draft, especially the latter. Three picks in the first two rounds, no excuses. They must hit on a defensive player, preferably for the interior line but it can be argued there is room for improvement everywhere except nickel corner.

[@jcZo23]

They need an early, elite WR for once or top FA that can outrun coverages, they lack top end elite speed big time, then DL DE LB CB2 if they don't sign Douglas & CB3 cuz Elam stinks

[@paulwalker4772]

Top shelf content 🎉

[@michaell5026]

What a scary thought that game script is the ultimate factor in the Bills stopping the run. I just don't see the Bills advancing to the super bowl with such a porous run defense. It's a recipe to lose vs the Chiefs and Ravens. Both teams are dominant at stopping the run while Buffalo is the opposite.

[@Flux06-dy3ru]

lol every comment iv read that you have posted so far has been negative.

[@jcZo23]

​@@Flux06-dy3rubut he's not wrong

[@jasonb9198]

Man I'm more discouraged about our D line than ever, those stats are DEPRESSING! lol

[@jcZo23]

The DL stinks year after year & are the main reason they go home early cuz they just do nothing at all, they've never touched Mahomo in 3 playoff games now, they're just mediocre at best, don't think the scheme is all that good either but they need to do & change something asaP

[@amandamarsh8956]

They have been talking a lot about turnovers and punching the ball out. Listening to babich the other day tell the reporter that Oliver randomly punched out a coaches water bottle from his hand and the coach got so excited made me realize how big of a thing this is.

[@joem934]

Its been since May 24th, and I still miss the old intro music.

[@ROCKYSDOG]

This year , The offense has saved the defense Overwhelmingly throughout the season. Well we all know that sometimes the defense has to Save the Offense. If that happens The defense will have to step to the plate , Because I'm not gonna Listen to that it's the offense fault That Possibly ends our season.

[@paulkwiatkowski6915]

GO BILLS!

[@mongoosemcmongoose2786]

I’m stoked !! Been so busy lately going through a separation from my wife, your pod is one that always cheers me up

[@bobbyslaughter8654]

You were right about the Jets game!

[@Marco-uc8jd]

These dudes could have a great regular show.

[@jameslaclair4585]

Man means creative blitzing

[@christ6927]

I could listen to Joe and Ant talk football all day. Joe and A could be bigger than Opie and Anthony 😅 jk but you guys are great.

[@ThePizzaDevourer]

Thanks for all your work, Joe! Perhaps a hot take, but I quite like McD's defensive scheme. The issue is, I believe it is predicated on consistent DL pressure. I think the Bills' postseason run will be determined by how much they can get out of an arguably middling DL group. Hopefully we get enough luck to get it done this year and we can go deep on DL in next year's draft!

[@jcZo23]

A soft zone scheme is never a good thing, especially with such a mid DL, they're all just average at the end of the day

[@michaell5026]

Bills big play defense is likely not attainable vs the Chiefs and Ravens. The Bills defensive scheme is great in the regular season vs inferior teams. Come playoff time it's likely an unreasonable expectation.

[@garykreinheder192]

Go Bills!!

[@Stockhandle123]

Anthony is correct at some point it does have to regress to the mean but it doesn't have to be this year.

[@aeb814]

Pro Ant happens to be my other favorite.

[@claudiacruz7055]

Go bills and Joe marino

[@billbenz8032]

Go Bills

[@ToddTownsend-f3s]

Go Bills!

[@LockedOnBills]

Go Bills!

[@wnybricky1559]

I could see Anthony there full time.. no disrespect to Joe at all. But Ant is a great add

[@joshuadispenza8934]

I'm just here so I don't get fined. Go Bills.

[@jeremyspencer3374]

Always enjoy the Marino Prohaska bills rap session. Not sure if Von Millers incentives cover only the regular season or also post season. But if post season counts I’m wondering if we see a slight ramp up in his play not only for the disruption he can bring but on his part wanting to get that extra 2 million if he gets to 8 sacks?

[@ericaures4734]

Hamlin as a pro bowl alternate probably makes him a higher paid safety. While I appreciate that he’s become probably as good of a player that he can become (unless he works his butt off in the offseason to put on some sorely needed strength), I just don’t see him being as good as Cole in potential. He’s likely getting a good contract elsewhere. The cap is tough and will likely cause us to lose some vets (Von and Rasul) in order to keep a few younger guys. The league did the Bills a favor by not recognizing Christian Benford in the pro bowl. Might make him slightly more affordable. Go Bills.

[@09mybad]

Cole Bishop was scared to tackle Braelon Allen in the first quarter last week and (imo) intentionally missed and avoided contact. That is unforgivable for a while for me. Teammates see that as well, and we all played with guys who were scared of that type of contact. If he’s “at his best” when playing in the box and that’s the effort he gives, we are in trouble at that spot.

[@willgann]

Joe - ant dropping dimes…. GO BILLS

[@tylercommon8674]

Go Bills.

[@This_Is_Tooch]

I want the Bengals. We don't run from teams. Only way is through and beating a rookie qb or a weak dolphin team doesnt keep you sharp for ravens or chiefs. Our D is opportunistic and i have faith to get extra possessions against burrow. WIN ON 3....1,2,3 WIN!!! GO BILLS!!!

[@davelewandowski]

The issue I see with Milano is they are saying well you haven't really done anything in 2 years but....Welcome to the playoffs go make a play.

[@wnybricky1559]

Too many here don’t understand the purpose of the “like” button

[@AzimuthTao]

If the Bills Defense follows the same path they have all year, we can count on never making it to the Super Bowl.

[@ringoflynt]

Joe and Ant, two of my faves 👍🏽 I do believe if not for the defense; Bills would have been in 2 SuperBowls in the past 5 years …. Matt better LB but Williams is a way better tackler 🦬

[@LockedOnBills]

Can't deny that tackling issues have been problematic for Milano, even when he's been at his best

[@aeromotive2]

did they ever have a shot at calais campbell... shortcoming here will come to haunt them i fear

[@dirtyrandy2592]

I want the dolphins to make the playoffs, just so they have to come to Buffalo in January 😂

[@rcud1]

uh, you don't get any style points beating the Jets. Milano is still undersized and just slower now.

[@nicholasdipirro5019]

Between our defense and Bass, we're in big trouble. Lets be honest.

[@bobkrause6114]

Riiight.. because we’re just the Conference #2 seed, 3 of our Defensive starters were selected to the Pro Bowl, we’ve already matched our all time wins in a season and will likely set a new record tomorrow. We only have a HC & GM who’ve led us to the playoffs 6 of their 7 years at the job and very likely the League MVP at QB. Find a new hobby and new team to ‘support’. You’re not worthy as a Bills fan.

[@bobkrause6114]

Bishop has already shown he’s very good against the run which has been a glaring concern up to now. ‘The future at Safety’

[@dalebechtel8904]

Bass will win the Super Bowl for us bet on it.

[@michaell5026]

​@@bobkrause6114That really doesn't address the Bills problems on defense and special teams. The Bills under McD have fallen short over and over and over in the playoffs. How you can have optimism going into the playoffs is commendable but likely a bit overly optimistic. Also, being critical of the Bills team isn't a reflection of being a poor fan. Frankly, your response is condescending and unprofessional.

[@bobkrause6114]

@ says the woke punk who can’t see the forest for the trees. Cry me a river, baby.

[@hairpunut]

All im saying is if miami misses the playoffs and calais campbell is available get him like yesterday.

[@jcZo23]

No way he would make it to the Bills after waivers

[@hairpunut]

@jcZo23 Maybe not that's why I said if he does make it sign him immediately.

[@jcZo23]

@hairpunut Baltimore would scoop him immediately & I'm guessing he'd like to go back there

[@hairpunut]

@@jcZo23 Possibly but he left there last year due to the fact that they couldn't get it done. They would only want him back due to him playing better this year then last year. But with how many teams are one a possible run it's hard to say who he would end up with. And just because he's available doesn't mean they will. They have alot of solid players now and their defense is actually doing good upfront. It's the secondary that was struggling and they kinda fixed that. So they may not want or need him really.

[@jcZo23]

@hairpunut he left over $ & went to a worse team

[@ToddMcLellan-j3u]

Christian Bedford is a massive hit Very good at drafting linebacker.. other than that??

[@loganstolberg2743]

Dorian’s weakness is that he cannot cover at all and that’s concerning.

[@sadathebeishy3194]

Go bills

[@LockedOnBills]

Go Bills!

[@Jack-b4k2p]

Go bills win@

[@Gmoney375ps3]

Whoever we play this has been a fun ass season of Bills football

[@scottjarvis1974]

Are u using the jets as ur base pls.

[@ToddMcLellan-j3u]

Not a single defensive player made the pro bowl… we need to hit on our first second and third rounders and we need them on defense

[@DeanGrand]

bills defense hasn't been playoff ready in decades

[@jenwelsby]

Go Bills! We have JA17 and you don’t! ❤

[@napoleaj01]

Dorian Williams > Matt Milano

[@JohnWilliams-wz9vk]

Bills D .and O. Dial it up to 11

[@joe-gow9269]

Bend but don't break. I just wish we didn't bend quite so much

[@vinnysvinyl]

Hamlin all the way

[@kentcarmack5879]

The bills bet on them self's. That's it

[@aaronbutler9373]

Incoming Lamar's 3rd MVP. Incoming Ravens 3rd Super Bowl.

[@jcZo23]

ZEro Chance of either incoming

[@jameslaclair4585]

Can we rent Bill Belicic for game management in the playoffs?😉

[@CP-os1pc]

The answer Maybe one game but most likely if they face Burrow they will be pounded Burrow will throw for 600 yards

[@sarahchristine2345]

Too bad cincy lost 8 games and isn’t in the playoffs… pity Burrow chose to break the bank so cincy couldn’t afford that stout defense that carried them through their short success ;)

[@atticusashkenazi6489]

Could you go over the prow bowl selections and your thoughts on the hills players that should’ve madebit

[@LockedOnBills]

Doing that on the Saturday pod! Drops on YT at 6am ET tomorrow

[@nickcoleman5041]

Go Bills!

[@Skizosquared]

Go Bills!!!

[@brianpawinski3095]

GO BILLS!

[@danieltheal4683]

Go Bills

[@BuffedKappa]

Go bills

[@kishorehari]

Go Bills!

[@Stt0K3R]

Go Bills