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USA Today Sports Media Group
USA Today Sports Media Group
Sport
Ivan Lambert

4 reasons the Commanders should be concerned about the Bills

The Bills offense averages 5.4 yards per play

The 5.4 yards per offensive play is 8th best in the NFL after two weeks. Running back James Cook (Dalvin’s younger brother) is having huge success in the first two weeks, averaging 5.8 yards on his 29 rushing attempts, totaling 169 yards.

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The combination of James Cook moving the chains and opening up the possibility of the play-action passing game should greatly concern the Commanders defensive personnel.

Josh Allen has the physical ability to win any week

After Josh Allen threw three interceptions in the Bills opener against the Jets, all Allen did last week was the exact opposite. He passed for four touchdowns, had no interceptions, for 274 yards and a passer rating of 124.5. The Commanders’ pass-rushing personnel must maintain lane integrity. It does more harm than good to simply rush wide, leaving gaping holes for Allen. He is explosive and can easily exploit a team whose pass-rushing is undisciplined. Allen can then extend plays by either finding a receiver downfield or utilizing his open-field running ability.

The Washington pass defense gave up huge completions last week

Last week against Denver, the Commanders defense surrendered on the first three Broncos possessions, drives of 61, 75 and 90 yards. In addition, each culminated in a Broncos touchdown. After the Commanders defense had seemed to take control of the game, they again succumbed, yielding 61 and 87 yards on the Broncos’ last two possessions. Against Denver, the Commanders allowed three passes each gaining at least  50+ yards.

The Bills pass defense is overlooked

Sam Howell being sacked ten times in two games ties for third worst in the NFL with Chicago’s Justin Fields. Only Houston’s C.J. Stroud (11) and the NYG Daniel Jones (12) have been sacked more often. In addition, Howell endured 8 quarterback hits last week against Denver.

The Bills’ defense has yielded only 26 first downs, which ties for second-best in the NFL. Their pass defense has also only surrendered 30 completions, which is third-best in the league. They are getting off of the field, having only allowed 17 passing first downs and five rushing first downs, which is tied for 5th best. Also, the Bills have permitted only a 73.2 passer rating thus far, which is 5th best.

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