Bills LB Terrel Bernard on First-Career INT: 'Like A Movie!'

When the Buffalo Bills needed a big play, second-year linebacker Terrel Bernard gave them a career-defining down.

The Bills found themselves trailing early in Sunday's game against the Las Vegas Raiders after giving up an opening-drive touchdown while going three-and-out themselves. Buffalo needed a stop to avoid going down two scores early, and that's when Bernard made his mark on the game. On a tipped screen pass, he made a diving grab to earn his first career interception and give the ball back to the Bills' offense.

TB INT‼️

📺: @CBS | @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/H8xM1EKUGf
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 17, 2023

Bernard's interception immediately swung momentum, as the Bills would score on the ensuing drive to tie the game. After that, Buffalo took over the game and would go on to win 38-10.

The play wasn't just huge for the Bills' win, but for Bernard personally as well. The Baylor product is still adjusting to being a regular starter, so forcing a turnover of that magnitude is a big confidence boost.

terrel bernard — © Jamie Germano, Democrat and Chronicle

"It was awesome, it felt like a movie," Bernard told reporters on Tuesday. "You think and dream about those days and to finally have that happen and make an impactful play, set up the offense for a score, it's definitely a blessing and I'm just glad I had the opportunity to be out there.

"It builds confidence really fast. You want to do everything you can to help the team win, let your brothers know that you've got their back and you're willing to make plays, willing to go out there and sacrifice and do whatever you can to help the team. So making a play like that, it definitely helps."

Terrel Bernard after a 38-10 win over the Raiders in game where he had his first career interception. He also joked he hopes it's an ongoing battle with Matt Milano for who gets the most picks this season since they both had one today (that was Milano's second of the year too) pic.twitter.com/obtRLg3FPQ
— Heather Prusak (@haprusak) September 17, 2023

A former third-round pick, Bernard primarily played a reserve role as a rookie. He appeared in 16 games, but only started one and had just 11 solo tackles. With the departure of longtime starter Tremaine Edmunds in the offseason, the Bills placed great faith in Bernard and made him a starer alongside All-Pro Matt Milano.

In the opening stretch of the season, Bernard is rewarding the Bills' trust in him.

“Through two games I think he’s done a good job," coach Sean McDermott told reporters. "A really smart, instinctive player. He’s handled it well,”

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