Bills' Defense Dominates in Blowout Win Over Commanders
In case there was still any doubt, the Buffalo Bills showed they've still got it with a dominant 37-3 win over the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field on Sunday.
Buffalo seemingly has a reputation as a high-flying offensive team, but on Sunday, it was the defense running the show. The Bills absolutely suffocated the Commanders' offense, allowing just 239 yards on the game. Until the Commanders kicked a field goal with less than a minute to go, the Bills were on pace for their first shutout victory since Oct. 3, 2021, when they beat the Houston Texans 40-0.
Beyond just preventing yards, the Bills' defense wrecked havoc on the Commanders' offense all day long. Washington quarterback Sam Howell was constantly under duress, taking nine sacks and 14 hits on the day. The Bills also forced Howell into four interceptions, including a pick six by defensive end AJ Epenesa, and forced a fumble by running back Antonio Gibson for five total takeaways.
The star of the show on defense was second-year linebacker Terrel Bernard, who enjoyed the best game of his young career. Bernard was all over the field, totaling seven tackles, two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery.
It wasn't just Bernard causing problems for the Commanders as several Bills defenders had great days. Linebacker Leonard Floyd had two sacks, defensive tackle Ed Oliver had 1.5, defensive end Greg Rousseau had one and defensive tackle DaQuan Jones had half a sack to fuel a dominant pass rush. Cornerback Tre'Davious White and safety Micah Hyde each had interceptions alongside Bernard and Epenesa.
On offense, the Bills had a solid, efficient day with 388 total yards. Josh Allen completed 20 of 32 passes for 218 yards, a touchdown and an interception to go alongside 46 rushing yards and another touchdown. It helps that the Bills' offensive line kept his jersey clean, as he took no sacks and only one hit on the day.
James Cook had another strong performance on the ground, rushing for 98 yards on 15 carries. Stefon Diggs led the team with 111 receiving yards on eight catches, notching his second straight 100-yard game. Gabe Davis only had one reception, but he made it count by turning it into a 35-yard touchdown.
Essentially nothing went right on offense for Washington. Howell completed 19 of 29 passes for 170 yards, but all the sacks and interceptions sunk his quarterback rating to a paltry 41.5. Brian Robinson Jr. ran 10 times for 70 yards, but that may have been the only positive for the Commanders.
Next up, the Bills face a huge test when they host the undefeated Miami Dolphins in a crucial AFC East showdown on Oct. 1.
