Bills LB Terrel Bernard Wins AFC Defensive Player of Week

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard has been honored after his performance in Week 3's win over the Washington Commanders.

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard has won the AFC Defensive Player of the Week for Week 3, the NFL announced Wednesday.

In Sunday's 37-3 win on the road over the Washington Commanders, Bernard was all over the field and easily the Bills' best defensive player. He finished the game with seven total tackles, two sacks, an interception and a fumble recovery in a dominant showing.

"It was fun. That's the name of the game, making plays," Bernard said after the game. "So going out there and doing everything that I could to help this team win. I had a great time."

The other weekly winners in the AFC included Miami Dolphins running back De'Von Achane and Indianapolis Colts kicker Matt Gay.

Buffalo Bills linebacker Terrel Bernard (43) celebrates with teammates after recovering a fumble against the Washington Commanders during the second half at FedExField / © Brad Mills, USA TODAY

Bernard made his first-career interception in Week 2's win over the Las Vegas Raiders. Through three games, he's making a case for Defensive Player of the Year.

"Just building confidence that I can do it," Bernard said of his improvement. "Coming in, you don't really know, to be honest with you. Going day-by-day trying to stack days, get the confidence in my teammates, get the confidence in myself, get the confidence with the coaches."

A third-round pick out of Baylor last season, Bernard appeared in 16 games as a rookie, posting 22 tackles. He's already eclipsed that total this season while taking over the reigns of starting middle linebacker for Sean McDermott's defense.

The Bills will look to keep things rolling on Sunday when they host the Miami Dolphins at Highmark Stadium.