Wahington Commanders (2-1) – Buffalo Bills (2-1): 3-37
Sometimes the NFL makes sense. Superior on paper, the Bills outclassed Washington without ever really trembling. Buffalo’s defense was particularly impressive, with a stellar Terrell Bernard (7 tackles, 2 sacks, 1 interception, 1 fumble recovery), as well as an unstoppable Leonard Floyd (2 sacks). Sam Howell (19/29, 170 yards, 4 INT) was constantly under pressure, abandoned by his line, and ended up cracking by increasing the number of interceptions. He came out of his match and will need to quickly regain his confidence.
The catch and runback 👏 @ajepenesa24
📺: #BUFvsWAS on CBS
📱: Stream on #NFLPlus https://t.co/UQdQ05gT8f pic.twitter.com/jgN90xJcvc— NFL (@NFL) September 24, 2023
The Bills’ offense wasn’t blazing, but it got the job done. Josh Allen (20/32, 218 yards, 2 TD, 1 INT, 46 yards rushing) blew hot and cold, like last season. Stefon Diggs (111 yards) led a mixed group of Bills in the aerial game, as 9 targets caught at least one ball.
With this victory, the Bills remain in the race for the playoffs in the AFC. Washington concedes its first defeat, and was able to measure the gulf that separates them from the very highest level.
Buffalo in control
The start of the match reflects the entire match: a field goal by the Bills, an interception by Terrell Bernard then the first touchdown of the match, by Gabe Davis (0-10). From the first minutes, Sam Howell and his attack are underwater.
If Buffalo dominates, the attack slips despite the opportunities offered by the defense. Despite everything, Josh Allen’s teammates multiplied the field goals to return to the locker room with a comfortable lead (0-16).
Washington is sinking
It was in the second half that the Bills finally got the points. After a fumble from Sam Howell, Josh Allen concluded a new highlight on the ground (0-23). As if that wasn’t enough, Howell shot himself in the foot again with a nasty interception which ended in a defensive touchdown for EJ Epenesa (0-30).
The humiliation continued a drive later, with a touchdown from Latavius Murray. For the honor, the Commanders will end up scoring a field goal, so as not to leave with nothing (3-37). The correction remains severe, between a team in full confidence and another in eternal reconstruction.
