Commanders vs. Broncos GAMEDAY Preview: Can Washington Remain Undefeated?

A Washington Commanders win would give the franchise their best start since 2011.

The Washington Commanders travel to face the Denver Broncos in quarterback Sam Howell's first road start this afternoon. 

This matchup is highlighted by two teams with a lot of new faces looking to build momentum off an ugly Week 1. The difference? The Commanders were able to "win ugly" while Denver coach Sean Payton's home debut did not go as planned, losing a division game to the Las Vegas Raiders, 17-16.

The Commanders gutted out a season-opening 20-16 win against the shorthanded Arizona Cardinals, despite three first-half turnovers and rainy conditions.

Howell rallied his offense and led a fourth-quarter comeback against the Cardinals. He completed 19 of 31 passes for 202 yards, a touchdown and an interception. He also ran for 11 yards and a touchdown.

Washington hopes to build in Week 2 with new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy.  At Howell's disposal are offensive playmakers Antonio Gibson, Brian Robinson Jr., Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel, among others.

Fresh off a solid first week, the Commanders defense looks to get after quarterback Russell Wilson, who completed 27 of 34 passes for 177 yards in Week 1. 

Washington's defense looks to bounce back after finishing bottom-five in interceptions (9) and 26th in takeaways (18) last season.

A Commanders win would send Denver into an 0-2 hole and make a statement of legitimacy in coach Ron Rivera's fourth season. 

Brent Skeen-USA TODAY Sports

WATCH FOR: On Sunday, Denver will commemorate the 25th anniversary of its Super Bowl XXXIII team and celebrate the career of recently inducted Pro Football Hall of Famer DeMarcus Ware.

RECORDS:  Washington Commanders (1-0) at Denver Broncos (0-1)

ODDS: Washington is a 3.5-point underdog vs. the Broncos 

GAME TIME: Sunday, September 17th, 2023 at 4:25 p.m. ET

LOCATION: Empower Field at Mile High, Denver, Colorado

TV/RADIO: CBS, BIG 100.3 FM

THE FINAL WORD: Howell on pushing through adversity in Week 1:

"I thought in the first half we moved the ball well, we just kept shooting ourselves in the foot, so we knew we could come out and move the ball, and then it started raining and just a lot of things were in the way of our success.... So, we’d definitely like to be better next week.”

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