We’re Seeing A Brand New Ed Oliver In 2023

Much to the surprise of Buffalo Bills fans, the team gave DT Ed Oliver a massive four-year, $68M extension before training camp began. Before his new contract, his best season came in 2019, where he totaled jut five sacks. Since then, it’s been four, 2.5, and three sacks each season. Now, he’s only improved this season after his massive deal. Let’s get into his season.

Ed Oliver is tied-fifth in the league with four tackles for loss, has a 23.5% pressure rate, and was all over the backfield against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. This resurgence we’ve seen from Oliver is what Bills fans have been hoping for since his promising rookie season. Now, with other capable pass rushers to open up gaps for him, we’re starting to see the pass rusher the football world fell in love with at Houston.

Stats (through two games): Four QB hits, 0.5 sacks, Eight tackles, 67.7 PFF Grade

Going back to the Raiders game, one play really stood out as he worked against former Bill Greg Van Roten. He got in the backfield to rush the passer, and forced an errant pass that AJ Epenesa batted away. If the Buffalo Bills can get more of that teamwork from the DL, specifically Ed Oliver, the wait for Von Miller’s return will be much easier.

Another play that won’t make the stat sheet, but came up huge in the game was Terrel Bernard’s interception. Oliver and Jones got in the backfield (again) and forced another bad throw, resulting in the tipped pass Bernard snagged.

This was one of the first plays in the game where he manhandled GVR:

We’re seeing a new and improved Ed Oliver this season. Having him, Miller, Greg Rousseau, and DaQuan Jones, with Leonard Floyd rotating in will result in one hell of a season. It seems this new defense under Sean McDermott is finding its footing early this year, and it’s fun to see.

Ed Oliver was partly responsible for Josh Jacobs’ and Jimmy Garoppolo’s terrible performances on Sunday. Oliver may have put Bills Mafia’s worries to rest with his big start to the season.

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