The Bills looked the part last week, but they find themselves in the face of a team with a lot going right today. The sale of the Commanders has given fans a new reason to cheer and Eric Bieniemy has Sam Howell playing like Brock Purdy. Here are 5 things to keep your eye on as the Bills take on the Commanders.

  1. Allen’s Patience

He proved he COULD do it, what he SHOULD do, but WOULD he do it all the time if he has the choice? This is test humber 1 for Allen proving he can be consistently patient. His OL will need to be great today as the Washington DL is tough. How will he respond to things not going well, if and when they don’t? Get used to being disappointed in taking a sack or throwaway Josh, and then you’ll see you can prevent it if you get used to not being bothered. Live to be Josh another day.

2. More and More Dalton.

I can see the Bills only continuing to find new ways of getting Dalton Kincaid involved. He demonstrates a keen understanding of the game and Utah has a big home field fanbase. His experience in the lights has shown, as he seems playoff ready. I expect to see his role increase.

3. Bernard and Milano melding like a cookie?

Milano plays the game a specific way, and one reason why I think Terrel Bernard starts is he plays with a similar vigor. He may be undesized and atypical for a Mike LB, but I heard Bienemy say how much he respects Milano for all the responsibility he has on his shoulders, which gives me faith Bernard will continue to mature in his own role. He doesn’t have all the responsibility, so he should play like his hairs on fire. Milano is the leader of the D.

4. Sammy Boy

Sam Howell has looked the part lately, in his minimal NFL action. He’s 2-0, but I don’t think hes played against a team of this caliber. Rousseau and Floyd, who’s coming off an ankle injury, should be trees today for Howell to get lost in. Balls knocked down, tipped, must make it difficult for the small qb.

5. My prediction.

I think that Allen is eating up being back in favor of the national media, despite his claims of staying off media. He knows he wants to be great, but I think the taste of “veteran” respect that the Raiders game gave him could make a real lasting change in his regular season demeanor. Don’t forget it was probably a little scary to see his ole pal Aaron go down. He should be grateful for a healthy body while he has it in this league.

IF Bills protect Allen, this should be a cruiser. If Allen gets happy feet, it will go down to the wire. I think the BIlls run game has evolved and the positional depth and balance helps Buffalo overcome a decent Washington push. 29-10 Bills. #bookit

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