3 keys to victory for the Commanders against the Jaguars

2. Create explosive plays on offense

On top of adding Carson Wentz to the fold, the Commanders add multiple new pieces to the offense. First-round pick Jahan Dotson is expected to be a key contributor right away, as he is listed as WR2 on the unofficial depth chart. Andrew Norwell is the new starter at left guard, while Wes Schweitzer is expected to fill in on the right side.

Curtis Samuel can even be seen as a new addition, as he missed most of last year. Early on, the Commanders won’t be clicking on all cylinders. You probably saw that in the preseason. While the offense showed some positives, they seemed a tick or two off at points.

That is to be expected. A new quarterback, with multiple new weapons, new offensive linemen, and his number one option missing most of the spring portion of practices can make that to be expected.

Carson Wentz himself has never been an overly efficient quarterback in the first place, as he is one who excels at hitting the deep ball. According to PFF, on passes over 20 yards last season, Wentz went 25/59 for 842 yards, 7 TDs, and 3 INTs, with 15 big-time throws. His PFF grade on deep throws was an elite 90.7.

Wentz has been someone who is best when he is connecting on explosive plays, and not having to put together long drives. While Scott Turner should not predicate his entire game plan on having Wentz send the ball deep, he should design some designated “shot plays.”

The Athletic’s Robert Mays said Washington sought out a quarterback who could stretch the field on his Athletic Football Show Podcast. On Sunday, it is up to Scott Turner to put that to use.

Wentz has the howitzer, and he excels at throwing the football deep, while the Commanders also have the playmakers to utilize in that area of the field. Executing explosive plays will be a key for the Commanders to defeat the Jags on Sunday.