During the second half of an NFL football game in Seattle on Sunday, Seattle Seahawks linebacker Ernest Jones IV’s helmet, which had come off during a play, was seen in the end zone, and Buffalo Bills running back, James Cook (4 years old) scored a touchdown. AP photo
ORCHARD PARK — After taking a trip to the Pacific Northwest and praising loud and rowdy Buffalo fans for ultimately drowning out a Seahawks game. “12 seconds” Bills coach Sean McDermott quickly got to the heart of the matter.
“We win at the line of scrimmage, and that’s where every week begins.” Coach McDermott said this at the beginning of his postgame press conference after Sunday’s 31-10 win over Seattle.
Unsurprisingly, linemen helped Josh Allen score his fifth multi-touchdown of the season and help the Bills (6-2) extend a 3-1/2-game lead atop the AFC East. The time has come to express gratitude. It’s their natural thing to do.
It was a victory Buffalo secured in the trenches in a game in which Seattle defensive end Jalan Reed traded blows with linebacker Derrick Hall on the field and on the sideline, and Buffalo reduced Seahawks’ morale to a civil war. .
Buffalo limited the Seahawks to 32 rushing yards, just 1 of which came in the first half.
Then, midway through the second quarter, the tone was set when the Bills continued their offense after Allen’s first interception of the season was returned to the Buffalo 7. The series ended with two stops in the first inning, capped by an interior defense that took the snap ahead. Center Connor Smith tripped quarterback Geno Smith for a 6-yard loss on fourth down.
On the offensive end, Buffalo’s linemen held on until they allowed one sack against a Seahawks defense that entered the weekend tied for seventh in the NFL with 20 sacks. That paved the way for the Bills to gain 164 yards rushing and 29 first downs, both season highs.
The Bills were very physical, with rookie receiver Keon Coleman getting fired up by blocking cornerback Josh Jobb on Buffalo’s bench, but both received warnings for unnecessary rough play.
“Yeah, I think that was a big takeaway for us.” Defensive tackle Eli Ankou said he witnessed Coleman go to extremes when finishing blocks. “This is something we really want to work on and promote, getting everyone to buy into the physicality aspect.”
As a result, the Bills are showing signs of establishing a strong identity in what could be their most complete victory of the season.
The win was Buffalo’s first against an opponent entering Week 8 with a winning record.
The Bills stopped a four-game trend of slow starts with the offense scoring on its opening drive and the defense forcing a three-and-out on Seattle’s first two possessions.
And on defense, starting middle linebacker Terrell Bernard (ankle), starting weakside linebacker Matt Milano (left bicep), backup defensive tackle Dwayne Carter (wrist), and Von Miller. He did so despite playing the fourth and final game of a suspension issued by the NFL. Violating the NFL Personal Conduct Policy.
The influence of both lines is also evident in red zone production.
During their three-game winning streak, Buffalo scored touchdowns on 11 of 14 of 20 drives inside the opponent’s half.
In the same stretch, opponents were limited to scoring three touchdowns on 10 trips inside the Buffalo 20.
The Bills aren’t perfect, but who else but the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs? And Buffalo still faces challenges ahead, including hosting the Nov. 17 game against the Chiefs.
However, this team started the season facing inexperience issues at various positions, but is now showing signs of coming into its own with each game.
what is working
Fourth down production. The offense improved to 1-of-4 on fourth down against Seattle, improving to 8-of-8 on the season. Opponents have converted just 6 of 18 fourth-down attempts.
things that need help
Penalties. Two weeks after being flagged 11 times for 94 yards in a 23-20 win over the New York Jets, the Bills committed 13 penalties for 85 yards against Seattle.
Stock up
WR Keon Coleman. The rookie had 125 yards receiving against Tennessee and had five catches for 70 yards, including a one-handed touchdown grab on Sunday.
Out of stock
WR Amari Cooper. The rookie had one catch for 3 yards but missed the cut, leading to an interception by Allen in Cooper’s second game since being acquired in a trade with Cleveland.
injury
There were no reports.
key number
32 — Fewest rushing yards allowed by Buffalo since giving up 23 yards against Miami on Nov. 17, 2019.
next step
They host the Miami Dolphins (2-5) on Sunday with a chance to extend their lead over the AFC East and win the season series. Buffalo has won five straight games, including a 31-10 win over Miami in Week 2, and has won 12 of their past 13 games, including the playoffs.
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