'MNF' takeaways: Bills defense a growing concern, Falcons' young stars deliver in prime time

The Atlanta Falcons' young stars delivered. The Buffalo Bills have an alarming problem.

Here's an instant reaction to the first game in a "Monday Night Football" doubleheader, a 24-14 Falcons win.

Key takeaway: Buffalo Bills defense is becoming a concern

The Bills (4-2) allowed 450 yards, including 217 on the ground. Falcons quarterback Michael Penix Jr. was 20-of-32 for 250 yards and a touchdown, and Buffalo was unable to stop young Falcons stars Bijan Robinson and Drake London. (More on them later.)

For a team with Super Bowl aspirations, the Bills defense is becoming a glaring issue. The unit has only held two of its first six opponents (New Orleans Saints, New York Jets) under 20 points and is dealing with a number of injuries.

Cornerback Christian Benford (Achilles) suffered a scare but was able to return. Linebacker Terrel Bernard wasn't as fortunate with an ankle injury, being limited to 38 defensive snaps, per Pro Football Focus data. He joins a growing list of injured Bills defenders, including linebacker Matt Milano (pectoral), nose tackle DaQuan Jones (calf), and the team's 2025 first- and second-round picks, cornerback Maxwell Hairston (knee) and defensive tackle T.J. Sanders (knee).

Buffalo needs to get healthy on defense to have a chance of reaching its full potential. It's fortunate to have a Week 7 bye, giving it a week to return some missing pieces ahead of a suddenly interesting game against the Carolina Panthers (3-3), who have exploded for 828 yards, including 455 rushing, over their past two games, both wins.