Buffalo Bills head coach Sean McDermott during the second half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019, in Orchard Park, N.Y. (AP Photo/John Munson)

By JOHN WAWROW

AP Sports Writer

ORCHARD PARK, N.Y. (AP) — Linebacker Lorenzo Alexander took a moment from discussing the “whuppin,” as he put it, the Bills defense experienced last weekend to assess the sorry state of the Washington Redskins, one of his former teams.

“It’s shocking in some ways,” Alexander said, of a once-proud franchise off to a 1-7 start and traveling to face the Bills (5-2) on Sunday. “With the ups and downs, the drama, the stuff that’s not football-related can wear on you.”

Washington has changed coaches, with Bill Callahan taking over for Jay Gruden, who was fired following an 0-5 start. There’s the drama of offensive tackle Trent Williams’ uncertain playing status, which remains unresolved even after he reported to the team this week.

And then there’s the possibility of rookie first-round pick Dwayne Haskins making his first career start with Case Keenum still in concussion protocol.

“I’ve been on teams like that when you’re down to your third-string quarterback and a guy that hasn’t had a lot of reps,” said Alexander, who spent seven of his 15 NFL seasons in Washington. “It’s just hard to win.”

Tantalizing as the matchup might look, Alexander understands the Bills can’t overlook anyone despite being off to their best start in eight years.