The Buffalo Bills defense will be better in 2016 despite key injuries to rookies Shaq Lawson and Reggie Ragland, as well as the four-game suspension of Marcell Dareus, according to Rex Ryan.

"I see the big picture. I also see this defense is improving," Ryan said. "I've said it from Day 1: we're going to be better. We will definitely be better than we were last year, in my opinion. Regardless of those [injuries and suspension], this defense will be better."

In Ryan's first year as coach, the Bills finished 19th in yards allowed last season. They had the NFL's fourth-ranked defense in 2014 and Ryan predicted upon taking the job that his unit would be the NFL's best in 2015.