Bills Set for 'Big Test' vs. Commanders D-Line, Says Sean McDermott
The Buffalo Bills are coming off a dominant 38-10 victory over the Las Vegas Raiders on Sunday. After falling 22-16 in the season opener to the New York Jets, the Bills looked more like their elite selves in Week 2, and are expected to handle business against the Washington Commanders at FedEx Field on Sunday.
However, the Commanders are 2-0 headed into their biggest test up to this point in the young season, and have the tools necessary in order to pull off the upset.
It will take Washington a monster effort on both sides of the ball to upset a Super Bowl contender like Buffalo. But despite some of the youth and inexperience on Washington's side, Bills coach Sean McDermott is hardly taking the rising NFC hopefuls lightly.
"This week will be a big test for our offensive linemen," McDermott said Monday. "They've got a very talented - bunch of high draft picks along their defensive front there."
© Jamie Germano, Democrat & Chronicle
Buffalo's o-line has experience, but its youth will be tested. At right guard, second-rookie O'Cyrus Torrence will have his hands full on the inside against Daron Payne, Jonathan Allen, and maybe Chase Young if it comes down to it. There's seemingly some pressure on the rookie to keep Bills star quarterback Josh Allen safe while also providing holes for running back James Cook.
But despite its own talent, Washington's d-line shouldn't sit back and expect sacks to come out of thin air. The Bills' offensive line just shut down Raiders' Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby on Sunday, as he didn't record a sack or quarterback hit in a game where the Raiders needed it in order to have a chance.
Considering how impressive Buffalo's offense just looked against Vegas, it goes without saying that the Commanders' defensive front will be key in helping to potentially pull off the upset and move to 3-0.
Washington and Buffalo kickoff from FedEx Field on Sunday at 1 p.m.
