Defense Dominates, Offense Shaky; Bills beat Commanders 37-3

What a game that was for the Buffalo Bills. Four INTs, nine sacks, one pick six, and a fumble recovery made by the defense today, plus countless other stats we’ll get into. It seemed like the Commanders defense couldn’t figure out how to stop multiple areas of the offense, including James Cook who had 98 rushing yards today. Let’s get into those stats:

• Terrel Bernard is the third Buffalo Bills player to have 2+ sacks and one INT in the same game. The other two were Cornelius Bennett in 1989 and Jerry Hughes in 2020 (both against the Jets).
• Bernard is also the first NFL LB to record 2+ sacks, an INT, and fumble recovery in a game since Brian Urlacher in 2007. (Editor’s Note: Both were coached by a Babich. Coincidence? I think NOT!)
• AJ Epenesa recorded the first pick-6 by a Bills DL since Aaron Schobel in 2007.

Arye Pulli on Twitter: “Bills’ AJ Epeneza with the interception off of Commanders QB Sam Howell.Took it back for six. pic.twitter.com/77sK36EJA6 / Twitter”

Bills’ AJ Epeneza with the interception off of Commanders QB Sam Howell.Took it back for six. pic.twitter.com/77sK36EJA6

Did we underestimate Terrel Bernard?

Many wanted Tyrel Dodson, Dorian Williams, or a free agent to get the start over Bernard Week 1. But for the second consecutive week, the second-year LB is showing why he’s the starter. Bernard has 24 tackles, two sacks, and two INTs since being named the starter.

This defense doesn’t even have Von Miller back yet

Von Miller will be out until Week 5, and the front seven is still ferocious. Nine sacks today, including 1.5 by Ed Oliver and two by Leonard Floyd. Once Miller returns, a pass rush of him, Oliver, Rousseau, and Floyd will be unstoppable for opposing offenses.

Do not sleep on James Cook

He is him. James Cook, even when there weren’t any holes to run through, found 8-10 yards on his carries. He has been a nightmare to stop, and Josh Allen’s favorite teammate it seems like. The trio of Cook, Latavius Murray, and Damien Harris have proved futile for defenses to contain, and this Buffalo Bills run game looks like it did with LeSean McCoy again.

Also, Gabe Davis All-Pro watch is back on. Enjoy the week Bills Mafia, and GO BILLS!