Bills set to face another hungry team in Redskins
Last week, an Eagles team desperate to stay in the NFC East playoff race came to Orchard Park and upset the Bills 31-13.
The loss, Buffalo's second of the season, was their worst performance yet. The Bills defense, which has been in the in the top three all season, gave up 218 yards rushing and three touchdowns on the ground.
Following the upset, head coach Sean McDermott and the Buffalo locker room acknowledged that Philly was fighting harder for a win.
This week, the Bills host another NFC East team with a losing record in the Washington Redskins. The first half of the season has been messy for the Redskins - including firing their head coach Jay Gruden and a season long hold out by pro bowler Trent Williams.
If the Bills want to show they learned from Sunday's mistakes they will get the opportunity right away when the rush defense will be tested once again. Veteran running back Adrian Peterson has kicked his game into high gear the last three weeks - averaging 91 yards per carry over that span. Plus, Washington will likely turn to the ground game after announcing they are starting rookie quarterback Dwayne Haskins - who is making his first career start.
Peterson had 14 carries for 76 yards against the Vikings last week.
Now, Buffalo is the team looking to rebound from a loss and chip away at the AFC playoff race. Their next four opponents all have losing records.
"I think there are teachers out there every week with how you respond to adversity," McDermott said. "As it relates to football, there are teams every year that go through adversity that keep their eye on the target and fight through it and find a way through it. That is what come with losses and challenges - some smaller and some bigger than others. So, I expect us to grow through those challenges and push forward to the division."
Buffalo and Washington kick off at 1 p.m. on Sunday at New Era Field.
