Bills dominate Browns 31-7 in second preseason matchup

The Buffalo Bills defeated the Cleveland Browns 31-7 in the teams' second preseason contest, moving the Bills to a 2-0 record for the exhibition season. The win featured a strong showing from quarterback Kyle Allen, who completed 10 of 12 passes for 128 yards and a touchdown, raising his preseason completion rate to 85.7 percent over two games. Wide receiver Ja’Mori Maclin caught a 71-yard touchdown pass from backup quarterback Shane Buechele, and kicker Tyler Bass was perfect on five attempts, including a 52-yard field goal. Trent Sherfield recorded four receptions for 54 yards, while defensive standouts included Damar Hamlin, who intercepted a pass in the red zone and led the team with five tackles, and Joe Andreessen, who deflected the ball that Hamlin intercepted and added three tackles.

Running back Ian Wheeler led the ground attack with 56 rushing yards on 14 carries and added 21 receiving yards, contributing to a total of 138 rushing yards for the Bills. The offensive line allowed only one sack in 23 drop-backs. Defensively, the Bills limited the Browns to 3.1 yards per carry and forced a 27.3 percent conversion rate on third downs (3 of 11). In the red zone, Buffalo converted all three opportunities inside the Browns' 20-yard line into touchdowns.

The game experienced a 1-hour-4-minute lightning delay early in the first quarter after heavy rain began. The Browns' early drive tied the game at 7-7 after a 65-yard, 11-play series, but the Bills pulled away in the second half. Browns players who struggled included rookie defensive end Jude Bowry, who was sacked on a second-drive play, and wide receiver Mecole Hardman, who dropped two third-down passes in the first half. Defensive end Geno Stone was noted for giving up space in the passing game while on the field.