The Buffalo Bills offense got the ball first to begin Week 3 and were able to put three points up on the board with a Tyler Bass field goal. The Commanders were looking to respond and seemed like they were going to at least tie it up on the opening drive.
Sam Howell was able to make some good throws to get them into field goal range but the Bills defense bounced back in typically bend but not break fashion. It started with Ed Oliver securing a sack on first down and raising his total to 2.5 on the season.
After that sack, it was all linebacker Terrel Bernard as he ended the Commanders drive with an interception. It was his second career interception and second straight game with an interception.
However, the play before that Bernard secured his first career sack on Sam Howell that backed up Washington as they faced a 3rd and 19. The interception was impressive by Bernard as he would be able to go up and pick off Howell's throw.
TB with the INT‼️
— Buffalo Bills (@BuffaloBills) September 24, 2023
📺: @CBS | @paramountplus pic.twitter.com/S1E5IBvN6S
The Bills pass rush was on full display towards the end of that drive as even on Bernard's interception, Sam Howell was under pressure. The throw looked to be disrupted by defensive tackle Jordan Phillips who was coming up the middle to hit Howell.
This season the biggest question for the Buffalo Bills defense was how they might be able to replace Tremaine Edmunds. He was a starter for five years and a cornerstone of this defense.
While Terrel Bernard doesn't have the size of Edmunds, he is proving to be a playmaker in the middle of the Buffalo Bills defense. The combination of him and Matt Milano is making a big impact early this season as they have combined for four interceptions.