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Bills Dominate Cleveland Browns 31-7

August 24, 20263 min read

Bills Roll Past Browns 31-7 in Preseason Tune-Up

The Buffalo Bills put together a complete performance on both sides of the ball Saturday, cruising to a 31-7 victory over the Cleveland Browns. Buffalo racked up 368 total yards compared to Cleveland's 194, while forcing two turnovers and controlling the clock for 31:16 of possession. This one was decided in the trenches and through the air, with the Bills' offense finding rhythm in nearly every phase.

Scoring Summary: A Back-and-Forth Start, Then a Blowout

Buffalo struck first when Ray Davis punched in a 1-yard touchdown run at the 9:32 mark of the first quarter, capping a drive that showcased the Bills' commitment to the ground game. Cleveland answered late in the opening frame, as Shedeur Sanders connected with Luke Floriea on an 8-yard scoring strike to tie the game at 7-7 heading into the second quarter.

But that would be the last time the Browns found the end zone. Just before halftime, Kyle Allen hit Mecole Hardman Jr. for a 9-yard touchdown with only 15 seconds left in the half, giving Buffalo a 14-7 lead they would never relinquish.

The third quarter belonged to the Bills. Tyler Bass drilled a 52-yard field goal to extend the lead to 17-7, and then backup quarterback Shane Buechele delivered the game's signature play — a 71-yard touchdown bomb to Ja'Mori Maclin that pushed the score to 24-7. Buechele added an exclamation point in the fourth quarter, capping the scoring with a 5-yard rushing touchdown to make it 31-7.

Standout Performers

Kyle Allen was sharp in his action, completing 10 of 12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, posting a gaudy 138.9 passer rating. Shane Buechele wasn't far behind, going 5-of-10 for 111 yards, a touchdown through the air, and another on the ground — a strong two-way showing off the bench.

The rushing attack was a three-headed committee that gashed Cleveland's defense. Ian Wheeler led the way with 14 carries for 56 yards, while Frank Gore Jr. was efficient with 9 carries for 54 yards and a healthy 6.0 yards-per-carry average. Ray Davis chipped in 21 yards and the opening score.

Through the air, Ja'Mori Maclin was the headline name, hauling in just 2 catches but for 108 yards and a touchdown, powered by that explosive 71-yard connection. Trent Sherfield was the most targeted weapon, catching 4 passes for 54 yards.

Defensively, Buffalo's front and secondary controlled the game. Damar Hamlin and Keonta Jenkins each logged 5 tackles, while Javon Solomon was disruptive with 4 tackles, a sack, a tackle for loss, and a forced fumble — a big reason Cleveland turned the ball over twice.

Special Teams and Outlook

Tyler Bass was perfect on the night, connecting on all his extra points and nailing a 52-yard field goal, continuing to show the leg strength that makes him a weapon in any field position battle.

With a dominant all-around effort — balanced offense, stout defense, and reliable special teams — the Bills continue to build momentum as the regular season approaches, showing depth at quarterback and playmakers across the roster ready to contribute when the games start counting.

L5

Written by

Lindy's Five Staff

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