Walker flashed multiple times throughout Thursday’s game with pressure and run stops at or near the line of scrimmage. His best play of the night came at an opportune time in the fourth quarter with Buffalo holding on to a 28-21 lead.
With the ball at Buffalo’s 21-yard line and 3:06 remaining, Walker shed a block at the snap to force quick pressure on Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa and got his hands up in the throwing lane. Tagovailoa had to try to fit the ball around Walker, but Terrel Bernard was there anyway, jumping the route for an interception.
Walker’s pressure, along with Bernard’s vision and instincts to jump the route is exactly what the Bills coaching staff looks for when they preach the rush and coverage working together.
“(Walker) didn’t get off to a great start in the game, but I love how he was able to stay mentally tough and stay on the attack, and then when needed most, made a huge play. Being able to affect the quarterback, we always talk about rush and coverage, and here Deone has a quick win, which you need. And TB has the coverage piece. And those two did a phenomenal job. That’s the vision of rush and coverage working together,” McDermott said.