Buffalo Bills Defense Shines in Shutout vs. Redskins

Before Sunday, the Buffalo Bills defense could've been conservatively called a "bend but don't break" defense. They ranked an abysmal 31st in total yards given up and had recorded a league-low four sacks in the first six games.

All that changed Sunday against the struggling Washington Redskins. Buffalo only gave up 179 yards and chalked up a season-high nine sacks in a 23-0 trouncing. Eight different players had their hands in the assault, including 1.5 sacks from Dwan Edwards and a season-high 2.5 sacks from rookie Marcell Dareus.

Jarius Byrd and George Wilson also added two interceptions to the best defensive performance for the squad, which was depleted due to several injuries to key players, like DT Kyle Williams and LB Shawne Merriman, who was placed on IR this week.

"It was a great overall performance. To shut anybody out in the NFL, that's a big feat, a big accomplishment and a big step in the right direction," commented defensive lineman Spencer Johnson, who had a sack and a blocked field goal to his credit in the game.

The Bills handed Redskins head coach Mike Shanahan his very first shutout in his 267 games as a head coach. "It's pretty humbling to take that. That's as bad as I've ever been involved with from the offensive side," said Coach Shanahan in his post game press conference.

The domination of the defense made the offense's job easier, as QB Ryan Fitzpatrick went 21 of 27 for 267 yards, and threw two touchdowns and one pick. Fitz only got sacked twice, which was not typical for Washington, who is tied for first in the league with 21 sacks.

RB Fred Jackson had a monster day, carrying the ball 26 times for 120 yards and caught three passes for 74 yards. Breakout tight end Scott Chandler made his two catches for touchdowns.

The next challenge for the Bills defense is Mark Sanchez and the New York Jets, who rank 22nd in total passing yards a game and 28th in total rushing yards a game.