3 mistakes Commanders cannot repeat in Week 2 vs the Lions

2. Getting gashed against the run

The Commanders’ secondary was up and down against the Jaguars, but they ultimately limited Trevor Lawrence to 24-of-42 (57.1%) for 275 yards and a touchdown and interception apiece. He finished with a 75.0 passer rating and 48.4 QBR.

That’s a job well done, though some players — Kendall Fuller and William Jackson chief among them — need to play better.

One area that must see immediate improvement against the Lions, however, is the run defense. The Jaguars only attempted 18 rushes in the game, but turned them into 123 yards and a touchdown. That’s good for 6.8 yards per carry.

Though a talented duo, the Commanders will face better backfields than James Robinson and Travis Etienne this season. Look no further than this week’s opponent. D’Andre Swift is an ascending running back and fresh off galloping for 144 yards and a touchdown on 9.1 YPC against the Eagles’ vaunted defense.

Jamaal Williams is no slouch, either, but Swift is the centerpiece of Detroit’s offense. Stop (or contain) him and I love Washington’s chances. Let him get into a groove and the Commanders will find it difficult to pick up a road W.