Two key defensive players prove just how crucial they are to Buffalo Bills' success with MNF performances
It's not news to anybody that the Buffalo Bills have struggled with injuries early in the season, particularly to star players on the defensive side of the ball in Terrel Bernard and Taron Johnson. Those two, entering the season, were arguably the two best players for the Bills on that side of the ball.Getting the […]
It's not news to anybody that the Buffalo Bills have struggled with injuries early in the season, particularly to star players on the defensive side of the ball in Terrel Bernard and Taron Johnson. Those two, entering the season, were arguably the two best players for the Bills on that side of the ball.
Getting the two of them back and healthy for the first time since Week 1 for Monday Night Football against the Jets proved to be a massive boost to the Bills' defense.
There was a physical difference about this defense with the two stars on the field. The communication was better, the organization was cleaner, and the two players, on individual basis, showed up to make outstanding plays throughout the game.
Let's start with Johnson, who finished the game tied for the team lead with eight tackles, a pass defenses, and an absolutely crucial interception late in the game.
Johnson is one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the league, and his ability to cover deep down the field and make plays on the ball like this one, while also acting a box defender that can stuff the run, makes him a true utility player in head coach Sean McDermott's defense that is crucial to their success.
Bernard was no slouch tonight in his own right. Getting the field general back in the middle of the field for the second game in a row was huge. He finished the night with six tackles, a tackle for loss, and a QB hit on Aaron Rodgers.
In the second half, there were moments when it looked like the Jets were going to complete the comeback. It was Johnson and Bernard that were able to identify what they were doing on offense, fly to the ball, and make crucial tackles for loss to kill their momentum. these two are the anchors of this defense, and having them back and healthy allows this team to reach another gear.
Follow along all season for all the latest Buffalo Bills news. You can also find me on X @JonHelmkamp.
