'Easy!' Josh Allen Credits' Bills' Defense for Week 3 Win
The Buffalo Bills’ Week 1 loss was as shocking as it was bruising. Quarterback Josh Allen’s four-turnover performance felt like a stain on a young season, and one that would be tough to move on from.
A strong defensive effort was wasted by costly, reckless turnovers and an offense that could not hold up its end of the bargain. For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, it was almost damning.
In the two weeks since, Buffalo has put on a clinic for complementary football. Last week’s win 38-10 over the Las Vegas Raiders set them on the right track and Sunday was simply the next step forward. The Bills went into FedEx Field and embarrassed the Washington Commanders, 37-3.
Aside from a lone arm punt, Allen played largely mistake free football for the second consecutive week. He put his lethal scrambling skills to use without taking too many hits and generated an adequate 218 yards through the air, some of which came out of structure.
It wasn’t some incredible performance, but it didn’t have to be. The Week 3 contest was highlighted by an incredible defensive effort. Allen was quick to acknowledge it.
“It’s easy to play the game when your defense comes up for you like that and puts you in really good situations,” Allen said after the win.
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He’s telling the truth. Commanders quarterback Sam Howell had his worst game as a pro, throwing for just 170 yards. He threw four interceptions and was sacked nine times. After a turnover on downs in a goal-to-go situation on Washington’s third drive, Buffalo never looked back.
“We had short fields most of the day,” Allen continued. “I don’t know what our average starting point was, but it had to be pretty good. I thought our defense came in, balled out. Guys made plays today.”
Allen was gifted plenty of short fields (three possessions started in Commanders’ territory) and the Bills’ offense returned the favor with three touchdowns (two of which were results of the short field). A defensive touchdown didn’t hurt, either. Perhaps kicker Tyler Bass’ three field goals felt like offensive shortcomings, but you won’t find any defender complaining.
Sunday’s effort was dominant in nearly every facet. Buffalo faithful can once again feel confident in an offense properly feeding off the victories of its defense.
However, that confidence will soon be tested by the Bills’ toughest foe yet: the Miami Dolphins.
The most electric offense in football is going to stress Buffalo’s defense in ways Las Vegas and Washington simply do not have the horses for. If they go down early, will the offense pick up the slack?
