ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — After praising the loud and rowdy Buffalo fans for making the trip to the Pacific Northwest, and eventually drowning out the Seahawks’ “12s,” Bills coach Sean McDermott immediately got to the meat of the matter.
“Winning the line of scrimmage, that’s where it starts every week,” McDermott said in opening his postgame news conference following a 31-10 win at Seattle on Sunday.
For all the credit rightfully being directed toward Josh Allen for his fifth multi-touchdown outing of the season, and helping the Bills (6-2) open a 3-1/2 game lead atop the AFC East, it’s time to give the linemen their due.
This was a victory secured in the trenches in an outing where Buffalo demoralized the Seahawks to the point of infighting, with Seattle defensive end Jarran Reed exchanging blows with linebacker Derick Hall on the field and sideline.
Buffalo limited the Seahawks to 32 yards rushing, including a measly 1 in the first half.
And the tone was set midway through the second quarter when the Bills dug in after Allen’s first interception of the season was returned to the Buffalo 7. The series ended with two stops at the 1, capped by the interior defense anticipating the snap, which led to center Connor Smith tripping up quarterback Geno Smith for a 6-yard loss on fourth down.
On offense, Buffalo’s linemen held up in allowing one sack against a Seahawks defense that entered the weekend tied for seventh in the NFL with 20. And they paved the way for the Bills gaining 164 yards rushing and 29 first downs — both season highs.
The Bills were so physical, rookie receiver Keon Coleman got into the spirit by blocking cornerback Josh Jobe into Buffalo’s bench, with both getting flagged for unnecessary roughness.
“Man, I think that was a big point for us,” defensive tackle Eli Ankou said of witnessing Coleman going to extremes in finishing his block. “It’s something we have really been wanting to address and push, and getting everybody to buy into the physicality aspect.”
The result is the Bills showing signs of forging a tough-minded identity in what could well 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 ended a four-game trend of slow starts with the offensive scoring on its opening drive and the defense forcing three-and-outs on Seattle’s first two possessions.
And the defense did so despite missing starting middle linebacker Terrel Bernard (ankle), starting weakside linebacker Matt Milano (left biceps), backup defensive tackle DeWayne Carter (wrist) and Von Miller serving the fourth and final game of his NFL-issued suspension for violating the NFL’s personal conduct policy.
The impact both lines are making is also apparent in red zone production.
In winning three straight, Buffalo has combined to score touchdowns on 11 of 14 drives inside an opponent’s 20.
Over the same stretch, opponents have been limited to scoring three touchdowns on 10 trips inside the Buffalo 20.
The Bills aren’t perfect, but who other than the undefeated Kansas City Chiefs are? And Buffalo still faces challenges ahead — including hosting the Chiefs on Nov. 17.
But this is a team that began the season facing questions about its lack of experienced depth at various positions, and now showing signs of coming into its own with each outing.
What’s working
Fourth down production. The offense went 1 of 1 on fourth down against Seattle to improve to 8 of 8 on the season. Opponents have converted just 6 of 18 fourth down attempts.
What needs help
Penalties. Two weeks after being flagged 11 times for 94 yards in a 23-20 win at the New York Jets, the Bills committed 13 penalties for 85 yards against Seattle.
Stock up
WR Keon Coleman. The rookie followed a 125-yard receiving outing against Tennessee with five catches for 70 yards, including a one-handed touchdown grab on Sunday.
Stock down
WR Amari Cooper. The newcomer had one catch for 3 yards and slipped making his cut, leading to Allen’s interception in Cooper’s second game since being acquired in a trade with Cleveland.
Injuries
None reported.
Key numbers
32 — Fewest yards rushing allowed by Buffalo since giving up 23 in a 37-20 win over Miami on Nov. 17, 2019.
Next steps
A chance to extend their AFC East lead and sweep their season series in hosting the Miami Dolphins (2-5) on Sunday. Buffalo has won five straight, including a 31-10 victory at Miami in Week 2, and 12 of the past 13 meetings, including playoffs.
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AP NFL: https://apnews.com/hub/nfl
John Wawrow, The Associated Press
