No Excuses: Jim Leonhard Tells Bills Defense 'It's Time To Be Good At Something'

Jim Leonhard’s patience is being tested by a porous Buffalo Bills defense that’s giving up too many points, too many yards and having difficulty stopping opponents on fourth down.

And the first-year defensive coordinator is done making excuses regarding a new-look unit experiencing growing pains five weeks into the season.

"It’s time to be good at something, and that’s our struggles right now," Leonhard said.

"It’s too inconsistent to pretend that we’re building and working and making improvements.

Everything’s being evaluated." Leonhard maintained confidence in his players, but cautioned the next step could involve roster changes.

"This is professional football.

If we don’t feel like the answers are there then, yeah, then there gets to be some big conversations," he said.

Leonhard addressed reporters over a Zoom conference call on Tuesday, a day after quarterback Josh Allen bailed out the defense in a 37-34 overtime win at the Los Angeles Rams .

The Bills (4-1) are staying in Southern California before leaving for Las Vegas to face the Raiders (3-2) on Sunday.

In thanking Allen for playing what he called the role of Superman, Leonhard said relying on the offense to carry the load isn’t a recipe for success.

"It has to change.

It has to get better," he said.

"We plan on being in a lot of big games, and it’s our job as a defense to go close them out for wins." And while the Rams high-octane attack presented a steep degree of difficulty, he said it doesn’t make up for the ongoing problems that continue arising. __ Buffalo allowed 33 first downs against LA, matching the most the defense has surrendered dating to 1991.

The Bills have allowed 20 or more first downs in each of their five outings, one short of last season’s total. __ A re-shuffled secondary experienced coverage and communication issues in allowing Matthew Stafford's 383 yards passing.