The Washington Commanders are 2-0 but will face their stiffest test of the young season on Sunday when the Buffalo Bills (1-1) come to town.
While it feels like the Commanders aren’t receiving a lot of respect right now, that will change if they can pull off the upset against the heavily favored Bills.
Buy Commanders TicketsBuffalo is a legitimate Super Bowl contender in the loaded AFC. The Bills struggled in their Week 1 loss to the New York Jets, as quarterback Josh Allen turned the ball over four times, but Allen and his teammates got back on track in Week 2 with a blowout win over the Raiders.
The Bills are a talented team. Let’s look at five players who Commanders’ fans should get to know ahead of Sunday’s game.
QB Josh Allen
Everything begins and ends with Allen. One of the NFL’s best quarterbacks, Allen is 2-0 vs. Washington. He’s put up gaudy stats against the Commanders, completing 73% of his passes with five touchdown passes, two rushing touchdowns and no turnovers. While Washington’s defensive line could give Buffalo’s offensive line trouble, keep an eye on Allen escaping the pocket and using his legs to give the Commanders fits.
RB James Cook
The second-year running back is the best back the Bills have had in years. Cook is an excellent runner, but he can also change the game as a receiver. He’s a home-run threat who adds a different element to Buffalo’s offense that it’s lacked in recent years. Cook rushed for 123 yards last week, has had a total of 29 carries in the first two games, averaging almost six yards per attempt and has eight receptions. Washington has been susceptible to the big play early this season.
WR Stefon Diggs
Buffalo’s offense still runs through Stefon Diggs. Diggs has played Washington four times in his career and has two 100-yard games against the Commanders. Washington cannot afford any coverage breakdowns like it had twice in Denver, or the Bills, specifically Diggs, will make them pay.
LB Matt Milano
Could you imagine the Commanders defense with Matt Milano in the middle? Milano isn’t a star, but he’s consistently one of the NFL’s most productive linebackers. He finally received the recognition he’s long deserved in 2022, as he was named first-team All-Pro. Milano is consistent in every phase, making an impact in the run game and the passing game. Quarterback Sam Howell will need to account for Milano on every snap.
S Micah Hyde
Micah Hyde will be 33 years old this season. He missed all but two games last season with a neck injury. He’s back, and looks like he hasn’t missed a beat. Hyde missed Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring injury but was back on a limited basis Thursday. All signs point to Hyde playing Sunday. Hyde is a smart, versatile and experienced player and one of Buffalo’s leaders. The Bills are better defensively when Hyde is on the field.
