The Buffalo Bills’ 31-10 trouncing of the Seattle Seahawks in Week 8 wasn’t a flawless performance, but it provided a glimpse into the team’s potential when firing on all cylinders. The commanding road win, Buffalo’s worst defeat of an opponent in Seattle since 2017, served as a critical stepping stone as the Bills look to widen their lead in the AFC East.
Defining Defensive Stand Shifts Momentum
A pivotal moment came in the second quarter when Seattle, trailing 7-3, intercepted Josh Allen and took over at Buffalo’s 7-yard line. The Bills’ defense responded with a goal-line stand, stuffing the Seahawks on fourth-and-goal from the 1. Cornerback Rasul Douglas saw this as a turning point:
We took the field, and we were like, ‘Offense, we got y’all,’ and we was like, bro, if anything, they get three [points]. They already got three. So, we holding to that and they didn’t get anything. So, I think once that happened, all the momentum just left, and it just was with us and from then out we just rolled the energy.
Rasul Douglas, Bills cornerback
Buffalo’s offense capitalized with a 93-yard touchdown drive, taking a 14-3 lead into halftime. The defense held Seattle to just 32 rushing yards and no play longer than 20 yards, a testament to their dominance.
Offensive Weapons Emerge Despite Miscues
While Allen wasn’t perfect, tossing an interception and fumbling twice, he orchestrated the offense effectively. Receiver Amari Cooper had a quiet day, but Khalil Shakir posted his first 100-yard game of the season. Rookie Keon Coleman also impressed with five catches for 70 yards. Allen praised the youngster’s development:
Our staff has got [Coleman] rolling. Knows what he’s doing. When he knows what he’s doing, when he’s rolling, he’s a damn good football player. He’s continuing to make plays for us. And you love to see that from the young guy. And he’s only going to get better.
Josh Allen, Bills quarterback
Pre-Snap Motion Bolsters Run Game
Buffalo utilized pre-snap motion on 75% of their plays, above their 67% season average. This helped spark the run game, with the Bills gaining 135 yards on 22 attempts when employing motion. Allen noted the effectiveness of this tactic:
I wouldn’t say we’re too overcomplicated in what we’re doing. I know we have some motions and shifts, but again, it takes guys learning it and understanding it but going out there and executing at a high level, everybody knows their spots, and when you got that, you got a dangerous team.
Josh Allen
Penalty Problems Persist
The Bills and Seahawks combined for 24 penalties, the most in an NFL game this season. Buffalo was flagged 13 times, their highest single-game total since 2018. While concerning, the Bills overcame the setbacks to secure the win.
Looking Ahead: Dolphins Up Next
At 5-2, Buffalo now holds a four-game lead in the AFC East. They’ll look to carry the momentum from the Seattle win into next Sunday’s home matchup with the Miami Dolphins. The convincing road victory against a winning team should provide a confidence boost.
As Douglas succinctly put it, “It feels good that we dominated.” The Bills will aim to channel that same energy as they navigate the second half of their schedule, with their sights set on securing a top seed in the AFC playoffs.
