Week 3 Wallop of the Commanders

TERREL BERNARD GAME!

Bernard achieved a feat not seen in the NFL since the 2007 season, becoming the first defensive player to secure 2+ sacks, an interception, and a fumble recovery in a single game. The last person to accomplish this was the legendary Hall of Famer Brian Urlacher.

"Playing today was an absolute blast. That's the essence of the game – making impactful plays," Bernard expressed. "I went out there with the sole intention of doing everything in my power to contribute to the team's victory. I thoroughly enjoyed every moment."

Bernard's influence was omnipresent on the field for the Bills. He relentlessly pressured the quarterback, exhibited exceptional coverage skills, and repeatedly tracked down Washington's ball carriers in open space. In three games, Bernard leads the defense with an impressive 24 tackles, a substantial five more than the next closest player on the team.

"With the strategic approach and Coach McDermott's guidance every week, he consistently puts us in advantageous positions," Bernard added.

The emergence of Bernard as a linchpin in Buffalo's defense has been one of the most delightful surprises of the season thus far. Despite missing the entire preseason due to a hamstring injury, Bernard, a third-round pick in 2022, clinched the starting middle linebacker position ahead of the regular season.

A glance at Buffalo's defensive stat sheet reveals a multitude of standout performances:

• Micah Hyde, Tre'Davious White, A.J. Epenesa, and Bernard all secured interceptions.

• Josh’s 1st rushing TD of the year

• DaQuan Jones, Ed Oliver, Leonard Floyd, Greg Rousseau, Bernard, and Epenesa all notched sacks.

• Taron Johnson and Matt Milano each recorded five tackles.

• Gabe Davis back in the mix

The entire Bills defense exhibited exceptional prowess, generating five turnovers, sacking the quarterback a staggering nine times, and permitting a mere 230 total yards. They have held opponents to under 300 total yards in three consecutive games to kick off the season.

"I felt the guys really stepped up, especially in the red zone. Those were pivotal momentum shifts, and keeping them off the scoreboard was pivotal for us," commented McDermott. The Bills' defensive line and pass rush once again shone, as they consistently applied pressure on QB Sam Howell, recording 27 pressures out of 39 dropbacks (69.2%) according to Next Gen Stats – the second-highest pressure rate in an NGS-era game.

Seven different players contributed with four or more pressures, and DT Ed Oliver led the charge with an impressive seven pressures.

Following a fourth-quarter touchdown run by Josh Allen, the Bills effectively sealed the game with A.J. Epenesa's first-career pick-six. This marked the first interception returned for a touchdown by a Bills defensive lineman in 14 seasons.

Week 3 Report Card

Offense: A+

Defense: A++

Special Teams: A+