Jim Leonhard is making a strong early impression in Buffalo, and the Bills’ preseason numbers on defense are hard to ignore.
The former Wisconsin standout was hired last winter to take over as Buffalo’s defensive coordinator, bringing with him a reputation built on doing more with less. That started back in his playing days, when he was able to turn a severely undersized frame into a 10-year NFL career and one of the better runs any Badger defensive back has put together in program history.
Leonhard later turned that same defensive mind into a coaching path that moved quickly. He began as a defensive backs coach, was promoted after just one year to defensive coordinator, and then spent the next five seasons running a dominant Wisconsin defense. That success brought him plenty of opportunities, including the Badgers’ head coaching job, before he eventually headed to the NFL.
His pro coaching climb followed a similar route. Leonhard joined the Denver Broncos as a defensive backs coach, moved up to assistant coach, and ultimately earned his shot as a defensive coordinator.
What Buffalo has shown in the preseason is eye-catching, even with the obvious caveat that it is still preseason. Through a couple of exhibition games, Leonhard’s defense has piled up 10 sacks, four interceptions, 17 tackles for loss, 15 pass breakups and 18 quarterback hits. The Bills are allowing just 15.6 points per game, forcing 13 punts, and have held opposing teams to 12 conversions on 34 third-down attempts.
Still, the usual preseason warning applies. This is not the same as lining up against a fully prepared NFL team with its starters in Week 1. The real test is still ahead.
Even so, if Leonhard can keep anything close to this level going once the games count, Buffalo could be in business. Josh Allen remains one of the three best quarterbacks in the NFL, but his career has been marked by early playoff exits, with defensive breakdowns often playing a major role. If Leonhard’s unit holds up, it could help change that story and give the Bills a real shot at their first Super Bowl win.
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