Grading Buffalo Bills defense against Washington Commanders in Week 3

Heading into this Week 3 matchup, the Washington Commanders' defense was a unit that was expected to give the Buffalo Bills some trouble. However, it was the Bills' defense that lived up to the expectations as they made the game difficult for Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.

First things first, the Bills kept the Commanders out of the endzone and were very close to a shutout up until a Commanders field goal late in the fourth quarter. After the Commanders came back to beat the Denver Broncos in Week 2 to win 35-33, the Sam Howell hype was real heading into this game. The Bills brought that hype back to reality.

Howell was sacked nine times, with Terrel Bernard and Leonard Floyd getting two each. The defense also intercepted Howell four times, including an A.J. Epenesa pick-six to put the Bills up big in the fourth quarter. They had five passes defended and had 15 QB hits.

As far as the run-attack led by Brian Robinson, the Commanders just reached over 100 yards on the ground with Robinson leading the committee with 70 yards off of 10 carries. However, Antonio Gibson did lose a fumble.

Terrel Bernard shines for the Buffalo Bills defense

If you were to say that linebacker Terrel Bernard would be a vital piece of this Bills' defense and make the impact that he has through the first three weeks, that would have been an overstatement.

Bernard has shined the last three weeks, leading the team in total tackles and recorded his second interception of the season against the Commanders. He also recovered the fumble by Gibson and was in on two sacks.

The second-year linebacker has stepped into a massive hole and has stepped up for this unit.

This defense came out of the gates and did not allow any room for the Commanders' offense to do anything. If this defense picks up where they left off heading into next week against their division rival, Miami Dolphins, they have the opportunity to slow down the Dolphins' offense that has been explosive the last three games.

Week 3 Grade for the Buffalo Bills defense: A