'Defense on Fire!' Buffalo Bills Stand Tall In Win Over New York Giants
When the Buffalo Bills defense needed a stop, they stepped up much like they have all season in their 14-9 win over the New York Giants at Highmark Stadium on Sunday Night Football.
The game came down to the final play with the Giants at the one-yard line for an untimed down at the end of the fourth quarter. Giants quarterback Tyrod Taylor threw a high pass for tight end Darren Waller, but cornerback Taron Johnson's coverage helped break it up to win the game.
"Defense is still on fire," Bills linebacker Von Miller said. "We had three sacks, held up tough toward the end of the game. Great win. I'll take them pretty, ugly, they all count the same. It's a good win and we just keep moving."
The Bills' (4-2) defense also had a pivotal stop at the end of the first half, stopping running back Saquon Barkley for a loss as time was winding down. With the Giants (1-5) having no timeouts, they couldn't get another play off and Buffalo kept the deficit at 6-0 heading into the second half.
Johnson led the way defensively with 15 tackles and the crucial pass breakup at the end of the game.
Taron Johnson covering Darren Waller on the final play of the game.
© Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and Chronicle / USA TODAY NETWORK
"He's been on fire since I've been playing with him," Miller said. "He's a hell of a teammate, and I'm glad to have him on my side."
Linebacker Terrel Bernard also had a huge game with 12 tackles, including three for a loss. As a team, Buffalo's defense had nine tackles for loss.
Outside linebackers A.J. Epenesa and Leonard Floyd had one sack.
Through six games, the Bills are tied for the league lead in sacks with 24, and third in points allowed per game with 14.8. While the offense has had its ups and downs, the defense has continually shown up.
If they can continue to do that despite injuries to key players, the Bills defense will remain among the NFL's best and could even improve as the younger players continue to see more playing time.
