Bills' defense may have found new leader after win over Steelers

Sean McDermott commented on the 11-year NFL veteran's locker room presence following Sunday's win over Pittsburgh

Sep 28, 2025; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills safety Cole Bishop (24) and outside linebacker Shaq Thompson (45) celebrate after intercepting a pass intended for New Orleans Saints quarterback Spencer Rattler (2) | Gregory Fisher-Imagn Images

The Buffalo Bills' defense overwhelmed the Pittsburgh Steelers on Sunday, allowing just seven points while surrendering 166 total yards and forcing two turnovers. The catalyst for Buffalo's dominant defensive performance may have been an unlikely source, who has emerged as a leader for the team, both on the field and in the locker room.

When the Bills signed Shaq Thompson over the offseason, the 11-year veteran was projected as a roster-bubble player on a cheap, one-year contract. Now, the longtime Carolina Panther has morphed into a critical piece of the Bills defense through 13 weeks of the season.

Head coach Sean McDermott was complimentary of Thompson's leadership both on and off the field during his postgame press conference, explaining that the linebacker challenged the defensive unit to perform at their best.

Coach McDermott said LB Shaq Thompson did a solid job of leading the defense at MLB. Also said that Shaq stood up in team meeting late in the week and challenged the defensive unit to perform at their best. Said that’s what leadership looks like. #Bills

— Chris Brown (@ChrisBrownBills) December 1, 2025

Starter on shelf

Filling in for Terrel Bernard at MLB, Thompson recorded a team-high nine total tackles, adding onto the 32 he already had this season. A forced fumble, one sack, and two passes defended also belong to Thompson this year, showing his ability to make the most of his opportunities when he's on the field.

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Bernard has had a down-season by his standards, struggling to defend the run and looking slow in coverage at times, failing to live up to the four-year contract extension he signed this offseason. After missing all of practice this past week with an elbow injury, it would benefit the Bills to not rush the team captain back to hastily, allowing him to recover fully before thrusting him back into starting MLB duties.

While the Bills await the return to full health for one of their defensive starters and team leaders, expect Thompson to continue filling that role admirably on and off the field.

Oct 13, 2025; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (8) attempts to drag down Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Drake London (5) during the first half of a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. | Brett Davis-Imagn Images

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