The Buffalo Bills are 2-0 after another offensive explosion against the Detroit Lions in Week 2 at the new Highmark Stadium. Josh Allen threw three touchdown passes and added two rushing scores as the Bills continued their strong start. Allen’s offense has delivered in both games.
Buffalo scored 36 points against Houston in Week 1 before putting up 41 against Detroit. Allen already has five passing touchdowns and four rushing touchdowns through two games, giving the Bills a major advantage when games turn into shootouts. The defense is now getting attention, too.
Greg Rousseau and Deone Walker were both selected to PFF’s Week 2 Team of the Week. Walker was also named PFF’s Defensive Player of the Week after producing seven pressures against Detroit.
Greg Rousseau Has Made an Immediate Impact in Buffalo’s New Defensive Scheme
Rousseau finished the Lions game with a 90.8 PFF grade, the second-highest mark among Bills defenders behind Walker. He also produced pressure that helped disrupt Detroit’s passing game.
His season numbers are even more impressive, with four sacks and three forced fumbles through two games. Rousseau’s 16 total pressures rank second among qualified edge defenders, while his 90.5 pass-rush grade ranks second at the position, according to PFF.
The move to outside linebacker is paying off early. Rousseau is being used differently under new defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard, allowing him to use his length and athleticism from the edge. That has helped him become a more consistent pass-rush threat.
The Bills do not need their defense to dominate every snap when Allen is producing at this level, but Rousseau’s ability to create sacks and turnovers can swing close games.
Deone Walker was the Standout Defensive Player Against Detroit
The second-year interior defender earned a 93.0 PFF grade, the highest grade of any player in the game, which earned him a spot on PFF’s Week 2 Team of the Week. Walker’s pass rush was the biggest reason for the grade.
Walker generated seven pressures, including two quarterback hits and five hurries, across 30 pass-rush snaps. He also batted down three passes at the line of scrimmage. PFF’s season numbers show how quickly he has emerged. He owns a 90.1 overall grade through two games and a 92.8 pass-rush grade, which ranks first among qualified interior defensive linemen.
Walker’s nine total pressures also lead the position. His interior pressure complements Rousseau’s edge rush. Walker’s presence at nose guard gives Buffalo another way to collapse the pocket. That combination can make life difficult for opposing quarterbacks while the Bills’ offense continues to put points on the board.
Bills Showing Balance at 2-0
The team’s offense has been the headline through two weeks. Allen threw for 334 yards and two touchdowns while running for two more scores against Houston. Against Detroit, he added three passing touchdowns and two rushing touchdowns.
DJ Moore opened his Bills career with five catches for 100 yards and a touchdown against the Texans. He was later forced out of the Lions game with a shoulder injury, leaving his status for Week 3 uncertain. The defense is producing enough big plays to keep pace.
Rousseau and Walker lead the early pass-rush story, while Buffalo has also received strong contributions from players such as DeWayne Carter and Javon Solomon. The unit still has room to improve after allowing 62 points through two games. Next up is another major test. Buffalo hosts the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 3 on Sunday, with kickoff scheduled for 1 p.m. ET.
