Two Bills Drive

‘For the first time in team history, the Bills had four players with multiple sacks in a 37-3 trouncing of the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field. The win improves the Bills to 2-1 on the season and sets up an early-season showdown next week at home against the unbeaten Miami Dolphins (3-0).’

‘Watching the Dolphins’ offense is like watching a video at the 2x setting on your DVR. That sudden. That quick. That fast. That impressive.’

‘Middle linebacker was one of the Bills’ biggest question marks this offseason following the departure of Tremaine Edmunds. While Bernard is just three games into the season, he’s affirmed so far that the Bills were right to put their trust in him, as one of the few new starters on the defense, and the one who relays the calls to the team from the sideline. Bernard has been solid in his play and his communication.’

‘“A.J. is notorious for doing that in practice,” Allen said Sunday. “He’s tall and lanky, and he just finds a way to make plays like that. He’s done that to us in practice so many different times, so it was good to see him go out there and do it in the game, and then go finish in the end zone and celebrate with his teammates.”’

‘Entering the season, the Bills desperately needed left defensive end Leonard Floyd to sustain the pass rushing productivity he showed over the past three seasons. Obviously, that’s because the Bills are without Von Miller. Floyd had 29 sacks the previous three years for the Rams. Through two games, he already has 3.5 sacks. If this keeps up, the Bills’ defense will be even better than last year.’

‘The Commanders, punching up in class after needing comebacks to beat Arizona and Denver, were knocked out by a thorough Bills’ effort.’

‘All but one of the sacks were accomplished with four pass rushers. However, the Bills caused Washington’s protection big problems with “simulated pressures” that threatened more than four rushers but dropped defensive linemen into coverage.’

‘Don’t let the final score fool you: There were some issues for the offense, particularly in the first half. The Bills had some big problems on first down, setting up several second-and-long runs, which have become a bit predictable. The Bills were able to convert 6 of 8 third downs to start the game, but it wasn’t easy for the offense. Another week, another fourth-and-1 situation and offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey called for Allen to pass out of shotgun formation. When that fails, it’s very easy to second guess. It mays seem like this is dwelling on the negative, but the offensive performance is going to have to be sharper next week against Miami.’