Bills' Josh Allen 'Heck of a Challenge' for Commanders Defense
The Washington Commanders are off to a 2-0 start, but they'll face their toughest test yet in Week 3, as they welcome the Buffalo Bills to FedEx Field Sunday. And after defeating the Arizona Cardinals and Denver Broncos to open the season, coach Ron Rivera seems to be aware of what's waiting for the Commanders in Week 3.
Specifically, Rivera said that Washington's defense -- believed by most to be the strength of the team -- have an exciting opportunity ahead of them Sunday against quarterback Josh Allen and the Bills offense.
"This is going to be a heck of a challenge for us on the defensive side as well," Rivera said. "We are a stout, solid defense. When you can play against teams like this and perform well then you really start making the mark as an organization and as a team can really step up and get some attention from some folks.”
At the height of his powers, Allen is one of the most gifted quarterbacks in NFL history. He has arguably the strongest arm of any quarterback in the league, and is also a tremendous threat on the ground. However, the Bills have been arguably too reliable on Allen to be superman on a weekly basis, and that can lead to performances like in a Week 1 loss to the New York Jets, where Buffalo's quarterback threw three interceptions.
Josh Allen and the Buffalo Bills will face the Washington Commanders in Week 3.
USA Today
Granted, the Bills do finally seem to have something of a running game to support Allen. Second-year back James Cook rushed for 123 yards in Buffalo's Week 2 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, alleviating some pressure on Allen. Stefon Diggs, of course, also remains one of the best receivers in the NFL. The Bills are a team that can blow you off the field when they get momentum.
However, the Commanders have a ferocious defensive line -- which includes Chase Young, who had 1.5 sacks in his season debut in Week 2. If Washington's front seven is able to frustrate Allen and the Bills, there will be opportunities for cornerback Emmanuel Forbes and others to make game-altering plays.
Obviously, this is easier said than done. But based off of how quarterback Sam Howell looked in Eric Bieniemy's offense last week, if Washington's defense can force a turnover or two, the Commanders are going to have a chance to upset the Bills in Week 3.
