3 keys to victory for Commanders against the Lions in Week 2

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is sacked by Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at FedExField on September 11, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - SEPTEMBER 11: Trevor Lawrence #16 of the Jacksonville Jaguars is sacked by Jonathan Allen #93 of the Washington Commanders during the first quarter at FedExField on September 11, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /
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LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jahan Dotson #1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter FedExField on September 11, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND – SEPTEMBER 11: Quarterback Carson Wentz #11 of the Washington Commanders celebrates after throwing a touchdown pass to wide receiver Jahan Dotson #1 against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the second quarter FedExField on September 11, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Patrick Smith/Getty Images) /

1. Defeating the Blitz

Over the offseason, Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn described his defense as “an attacking 4-3.” The attacking part could not be more on the nose. The Lions were second in Week 1 in blitz rate, totaling just over 48%.

The Lions want to create confusion and pressure early and often. With a quarterback in Carson Wentz who is also susceptible to mistakes under pressure, the Commanders will need to look to counteract the Lions’ aggressive approach.

The Eagles used the legs of Jalen Hurts against the Lions, as Hurts totaled 90 yards on the ground, over his 17 carries. While Wentz doesn’t possess the same athleticism as Hurts, keeping the defense honest with Wentz as a runner at points could work in Scott Turner’s favor.

Having short, quicker passes to start will also help mitigate the effect the blitzing Lions will have against the Commanders this week.

The good news for Commanders fans is Scott Turner loves plays that serve as an “extension of the run game.” The quick bubble screen to a wide receiver, a halfback swing pass, or a longer-developing screen. A large portion of the Commanders’ game plan against Jacksonville, was getting it to their playmakers in space, and allowing them to create after the catch. That game plan may be beneficial once again for the Burgundy & Gold.

dark. Next. These 2 Commanders will be pivotal to beating the Lions