The Washington Commanders look to start 2-0 for the first time since 2011 Sunday when they face the Denver Broncos. The Commanders opened the Josh Harris era with a 20-16 win over the Arizona Cardinals in Week 1.
Meanwhile, the Broncos look to avoid falling to 0-2 after they lost a heartbreaker to the Las Vegas Raiders last week. Quarterback Russell Wilson completed 27 of 34 passes for 177 yards with two touchdowns in his first game under new head coach Sean Payton.
Buy Commanders TicketsIn preparation for this encounter, here are six things to know heading into Week 2.
Sam Howell has chance to open career 3-0 as starting QB
It’s far too soon to declare Sam Howell as Washington’s franchise quarterback. After all, the second-year passer has just two career starts. Howell has had some positive moments in his young career; however, he will make his first career road start in Week 2 at Denver.
If Howell can lead the Commanders to a win, he will begin his NFL career with a record of 3-0.
Two struggling offenses
Wilson had good numbers in Week 1, but Denver’s offense wasn’t overly efficient. The Broncos finished with 260 total yards, averaging 4.49 yards per play.
Meanwhile, the Commanders finished Week 1 with 248 yards, averaging 3.8 yards per play. Turnovers and sacks were Washington’s biggest issues in Week 1. Howell was sacked six times, and the Commanders turned the ball over three times.
Both offenses are in the first year of a new regime. Payton with the Broncos and Eric Bieniemy as Washington’s offensive coordinator.
This is the 16th all-time meeting
Washington and Denver have met 15 times. The Broncos hold a slight edge at 8-7. The two teams have split the previous six meetings. Of course, the most memorable matchup between these two franchises occurred on Jan. 31, 1988, when Washington blew out the Broncos, 42-10, in Super Bowl XXII.
Sean Payton's record vs. Washington
Payton is a future Hall of Fame head coach. During his 15 seasons as the head coach of the New Orleans Saints, Payton faced Washington seven times, going 4-3.
Payton and Washington head coach Ron Rivera were NFC South rivals for almost a decade when Rivera was coach of the Panthers. Payton’s Saints went 9-8 against Rivera’s Panthers.
Lots of familiarity between these two coaches.
Commanders haven't fared well in Denver recently
We noted how these two teams have split the previous six meetings. The Broncos have won each of the previous three meetings in Denver, including a 17-10 win in 2021.
Washington’s last win in Denver? In 2001, when backup quarterback Kent Graham led the Redskins to a come-from-behind win over Broncos at Mile High Stadium in Marty Schottenheimer’s lone season as head coach.
It's alumni weekend for the Broncos
The Broncos are celebrating the Super Bowl XXXIII championship team that defeated the Atlanta Falcons this weekend. Several famous former Broncos are in town, including the legendary John Elway. Two former players who suited up for Denver and Washington — Champ Bailey and Clinton Portis — will be in town for the festivities. Both Bailey and Portis were in town for Washington’s Week 1 game vs. Arizona.
Gameday pic.twitter.com/SqG52FJGYk
— Matthew Paras (@Matthew_Paras) September 10, 2023
