Landover, Md. (WGR 550) - The Buffalo Bills defense came to play on Sunday in a showdown with the unbeaten Washington Commanders at FedEx Field.
Buffalo's unit forced Commanders quarterback Sam Howell into a number of mistakes following a ton of pressure all afternoon long. When the dust settled in this one, the Bills got to Howell for nine sacks, and forced the second-year quarterback to throw four interceptions. One of those picks ended up being returned for a touchdown by defensive end A.J Epenesa.
In addition, the Bills also forced a fumble in the fourth quarter, resulting in a five turnover performance that held a great deal of significance for head coach Sean McDermott.
"There were sometimes we were there rather quick, and there were times there was a little bit of a rush, and coverage partnering together like they need to in order to get the quarterback to hold the ball and create opportunities for our defensive line," said McDermott following his team's 37-3 win over the Commanders.
Second-year linebacker Terrel Bernard had a career day against Washington, registering a team-best seven total tackles, two tackles for loss, two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery. McDermott feels Bernard is mature beyond his years, and it showed in Sunday's victory.
"He's still a young player, he's still going to continue to grow. The guys have really taken him under his wing and helped him take one step at a time," McDermott said.
Related
McDermott felt the strong defensive performance was seen from everyone on Sunday, including veteran cornerback Tre'Davious White, who picked up an interception in the end zone on the Commanders' opening drive of the second half.
"He works when no one else is working. It's incredible," McDermott said of his All-Pro cornerback. "Over the offseason, he would send me pictures of just him getting a workout in. ... It's just a testament to him and how hard he worked, that he gets the payoff from it."
Hear more from McDermott's postgame press conference available in the player blow:
