The Buffalo Bills’ run defense? Straight-up *transformed* this season, and it’s because third-year defensive tackle DeWayne Carter is finally healthy and showing out. After ranking a dismal 21st last year in rushing yards allowed per game, giving up 136.2 yards, 5.1 yards per rush, and 24 ground touchdowns, the Bills are locking it down. Now, through just three weeks, they’re only letting opponents chew up 107 yards per game, a cool 4.0 yards per rush, and a mere two rushing TDs. Yeah, you read that right.
Carter’s Comeback: From Bubble to Beast Mode
This isn’t just a slight improvement, folks, this is a whole new identity for that run defense. And a massive reason for this incredible turnaround is the play of DeWayne Carter. Remember him? The dude who was almost a roster cut candidate? Now, he’s anchoring Buffalo’s run defense, playing like one of the absolute best run-stuffing defenders in all of football. It really makes you wonder what a healthy player can do, right? He’s finally producing, and the results are undeniable. The Bills haven’t even let a single opposing back eclipse 100 yards on the ground through three games, and you can bet Carter’s improved play is a key reason why.
The Numbers Don’t Lie: Carter’s Straight Ballin’
So, what exactly does “one of the best” look like in numbers? For defensive tackles with at least 40 run snaps, Carter sits at 11th in the league with a 69.1 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus. But wait, there’s more. The former No. 95 overall pick from the 2024 NFL Draft leads the entire league in ESPN’s run-stop win rate, clocking in at an insane 56 percent. And get this: he leads *all* defensive tackles with a staggering 22 run stops. That’s not just good, that’s dominance. Carter himself is dialed in, telling newyorkupstate.com’s Matt Parrino, “Our goal is to be the best at stopping the run. Because last year it wasn’t a strong suit for us. So obviously that’s in the past, but our focus is to be the best every single day at stopping the run. Then you earn the right to rush the passer. You see what our guys have been doing.” That’s the mindset you need.
Beyond Carter’s incredible start, Josh Allen is prepping for the New England Patriots’ blitz, and both Allen and outside linebacker Greg Rousseau are off to record-setting starts to the season. Also, defensive tackle T.J. Sanders has been working his way back onto the field after his appendectomy. But right now, the spotlight is firmly on DeWayne Carter, who’s proving that a healthy, motivated player can absolutely change the game.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Buffalo Rumblings.
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