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ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. — Following a noteworthy win in Seattle, Buffalo Bills coach Sean McDermott acknowledged the raucous support from Bills fans who made the journey to the Pacific Northwest, effectively outshining the Seahawks’ own “12s.” However, McDermott quickly shifted focus to the pivotal element of the matchup. “The game is won in the trenches; that’s where it all begins each week,” he emphasized during his postgame press conference after the Bills secured a 31-10 victory.
While quarterback Josh Allen certainly deserves accolades for his fifth multi-touchdown performance this season, helping the Bills (6-2) establish a commanding 3.5-game lead in the AFC East, it’s crucial to highlight the exceptional play of the offensive and defensive linemen. This victory was rooted firmly in the line of scrimmage, where Buffalo dominated the Seahawks to such an extent that infighting broke out among Seattle’s players, notably seen between defensive end Jarran Reed and linebacker Derick Hall.
Buffalo’s defense proved ferocious, restricting the Seahawks to a mere 32 rushing yards overall, and just 1 yard in the entire first half. A defining moment came midway through the second quarter when Allen’s first interception of the season set the Seahawks up at the Bills’ 7-yard line. However, Buffalo’s defense rose to the occasion, stopping Seattle on two consecutive runs at the 1-yard line, culminating in a loss for the Seahawks when Connor Smith anticipated the snap and tackled quarterback Geno Smith, resulting in a 6-yard setback on fourth down.
On the offensive front, the strength of Buffalo’s offensive line was evident as they allowed only one sack against a Seattle defense that had been tied for seventh in the NFL with 20 sacks prior to the game. The linemen facilitated an impressive 164 rushing yards for the Bills while also contributing to a season-high 29 first downs. The Bills even showcased their physicality, with rookie receiver Keon Coleman effectively blocking cornerback Josh Jobe into Buffalo’s bench, earning both players a flag for unnecessary roughness.
“Seeing Coleman go all out in his block was a significant moment for us,” said defensive tackle Eli Ankou, highlighting a team culture focusing on toughness and physicality. “We have emphasized this aspect, and it’s great to see everyone buying into it.” This match exemplified the Bills solidifying a tough-minded identity, marking what could be their most comprehensive win this season.
This victory against an opponent with a winning record in Week 8 was particularly meaningful for Buffalo. The Bills broke a four-game trend of slow starts by scoring on their opening drive and forcing the Seahawks into three-and-outs during the first two possessions. Remarkably, this achievement came despite the absence of several key players, including starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle), weakside linebacker Matt Milano (left biceps), backup defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (wrist), and Von Miller, who was serving the final game of his suspension.
The effectiveness of both lines is also reflected in their red zone performance. Over the past three games, Buffalo has converted 11 out of 14 drives in the red zone into touchdowns, while opponents have only managed three touchdowns from ten trips inside the Buffalo 20.
Although the Bills are not flawless, they are demonstrating significant progress, especially when compared to the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs. Upcoming challenges await, including a matchup against the Chiefs on November 17. Initially facing scrutiny regarding depth at various positions, the Bills are steadily proving their capability with each game.
In terms of what’s working, their proficiency on fourth downs is notable. The Bills successfully converted their sole fourth down attempt against Seattle, bringing their success rate to 8 out of 8 for the season, while opponents have struggled, converting only 6 out of 18 attempts.
However, penalties remain a troubling aspect. Just two weeks after racking up 11 penalties for 94 yards in a victory over the New York Jets, the Bills were flagged 13 times for 85 yards versus Seattle.
In terms of individual performances, rookie WR Keon Coleman is a player on the rise, following a previous 125-yard game with five catches for 70 yards and a spectacular one-handed touchdown. Conversely, WR Amari Cooper’s stock appears to be down, as he managed only one catch for 3 yards, and slipped during a route that led to an interception.
No injuries have been reported from the game, and key statistics include allowing only 32 rushing yards, the fewest since November 17, 2019, against Miami, where they allowed only 23 yards. Looking ahead, the Bills are set to host the Miami Dolphins (2-5) next Sunday, aiming to extend their AFC East lead and sweep the season series, having already secured a victory in Week 2.
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