Taking a closer look at defensive snaps played by the Buffalo Bills in Sunday's 26-24 loss to the Oakland Raiders:
Defensive ends:
Jerry Hughes -- 56 of 72
Mario Williams -- 56 of 72
Manny Lawson -- 17 of 72
Jarius Wynn -- 17 of 72
Quick-hit thoughts: This was Wynn's first game back since injuring his knee in a Nov. 9 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs. He was once again part of a healthy rotation on the defensive line, one that saw Hughes and Williams play 78 percent of snaps.
Defensive tackles:
Kyle Williams -- 61 of 72
Corbin Bryant -- 44 of 72
Stefan Charles -- 30 of 72
Marcell Dareus -- 11 of 72
Quick-hit thoughts: Dareus going down with a knee injury early in the second quarter dealt a crushing blow to the Bills' run defense. They allowed 5 yards on six carries (0.83 yard average) before his injury and 135 yards on 30 carries (4.5 yard average) after his injury.
Linebackers:
Preston Brown -- 72 of 72
Nigel Bradham -- 67 of 72
Brandon Spikes -- 38 of 72
Ty Powell -- 6 of 72
Keith Rivers -- 6 of 72
Larry Dean -- 0 of 72 (inactive)
Randell Johnson -- 0 of 72 (inactive)
Quick-hit thoughts: This was more of a Spikes game, as the Raiders played with a lead and were in run-first mode for most the contest. The Bills also used Powell and Rivers as part of their sub packages, opting for an extra linebacker on the field instead of a safety or defensive lineman. Part of that seemed to be aimed at confusing rookie Derek Carr as to which players would be coming his way at the snap.
Cornerbacks:
Corey Graham -- 70 of 72
Stephon Gilmore -- 38 of 72
Nickell Robey -- 34 of 72
Ron Brooks -- 21 of 72
Ross Cockrell -- 0 of 72 (inactive)
Quick-hit thoughts: Gilmore left in the second half with concussion-like symptoms and was replaced by Brooks in the defensive lineup, yet it was the veteran, Graham, who allowed the 51-yard catch by Andre Holmes that helped seal the Raiders' win.
Safeties:
Aaron Williams -- 66 of 72
Da'Norris Searcy -- 66 of 72
Bacarri Rambo -- 12 of 72
Duke Williams -- 3 of 72
Quick-hit thoughts: With Searcy returning to the lineup after sitting out last week's game, the Bills switched up their strategy at this position. Duke Williams, usually a part of the dime package, had his playing time reduced in favor of a linebacker (Powell or Rivers). Rambo rotated in with the starting group.
