Chris Paul’s DeForest Buckner test could dictate Commanders’ London offense

Few would've thought the offensive line would be one of the more reliable parts of this Washington Commanders team in 2026, but a secret star inside makes it possible. However, Chris Paul faces a nightmare matchup against the Indianapolis Colts at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in Week 4.

The left guard will face the linchpin of the Colts' defense. Big defensive tackle DeForest Buckner turns an otherwise solid front seven into a formidable group, at best.

Controlling Buckner will take a village, but Paul's worth singling out. He's been using powerful hands and a stronger base to help limit the damage of the Commanders being without five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil.

Chris Paul has to handle business for the Commanders to contain DeForest Buckner

The Colts will take a bigger hit if Buckner's allowed to run riot. He can single-handedly wreck the clever, run-first scheme offensive coordinator David Blough called to catch the Seattle Seahawks and their usually awesome defense off balance last week.

Buckner's a problem because of scheme and physicality. He's a 6-foot-7, 295-pounder who only has to drop a shoulder to put part of his lengthy frame into the backfield.

His height and muscle, combined with impressive takeoff speed, help Buckner wreck more than his share of running plays at the source. The 32-year-old already has three tackles for loss and two run stuffs to his credit through three games this season, according to Player Profiler.

Buckner can't be allowed to snuff out Jacory Croskey-Merritt's efforts to lead a running game without dual-threat Rachaad White.

Nor can the Commanders let him run roughshod over one-on-one matchups on passing downs. Stopping that problem starts with knowing where Buckner's lined up.

Chris Paul will need help to restrict DeForest Buckner's influence in Week 4

Colts' defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo usually moves big No. 99 around on third downs. Buckner creates havoc, whether he's double- or even triple-teamed.

The Kansas City Chiefs tried hitting Buckner with three blockers two weeks ago, but nobody slowed his path to Patrick Mahomes.

Buckner's assignment rushing the passer will put him over Paul, but the latter will need help.

Paul didn't allow a sack and yielded just one pressure against the Seahawks. That's a star turn against a defensive line loaded along the interior with imposing standouts Leonard Williams, Byron Murphy II, and Jarran Reed.

Buckner belongs in the same bracket as those names, so Paul won't win on an island. That's a call to arms for Nick Allegretti and Lucas Patrick, who should fill in at center once again.

Allegretti was supposed to be the weak link up front, but he stayed strong over the ball against Seattle. Patrick was also solid during what's destined to remain the shock win of the season.

Two members of this trio will need the freedom to double Buckner wherever he puts his hand down. Regular doubles will be possible only if players like Tunsil's struggling replacement, Brandon Coleman, handle their own matchups.

Paul has been handling his by not allowing a sack or a quarterback hit, but Buckner represents his toughest challenge yet.

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