3 keys to the Commanders upsetting the Eagles in Week 3
2. Utilize the offensive playmakers
The Commanders came out of the gates embarrassingly slow against the Lions. While the defense gets the lion’s share of the blame for the loss against Detroit (rightfully so) this doesn’t excuse the Commanders’ offenses performance in the first half. Until their last possession of the first half, they had zero first downs. At halftime, they had one. Washington was dominated on all fronts.
With the talent level the Commanders have at the skill positions, and the pedigree John Matsko brings as an offensive line coach, combined with Wentz providing starting-caliber NFL QB play, those lulls have no excuse to continue. The Commanders need to dictate to the defense, instead of allowing the defense to dictate to them.
Really nice breakdown of Lions loss by Logan Paulsen and @CraigHoffman on Take Command podcast.
— COMMANDERS FOOTBALL (@HogsHaven) September 22, 2022
Main takeaway: questionable play calling on both sides of the ball led to players being put in bad positions.
No quick game on offense until 2H and nickel D vs DET heavy personnel
The Commanders allowed the Lions’ blitz-heavy tendencies to completely throw off the timing of the entire offense. The offensive line seemed confused about how to maintain pressure, Wentz held onto the ball too long, and the offense looked stale, lethargic, and stagnant.
Washington has the talent to be dynamic, explosive, and unpredictable on offense. Through two weeks, Washington leads the NFL in explosive pass plays (over 20 yards). Jahan Dotson, Terry McLaurin, and Curtis Samuel can win at all three levels of the field. Dotson has the highest DVOA of any reciever in the NFL through 2 weeks, meaning he does the most with his targets.
Add in Logan Thomas to the mix, with the running backs and it becomes extremely difficult for any team to cover the Commanders’ weaponry. All Wentz has to do is accurately distribute the ball with his electric tools. So Washington needs to be ultra-aggressive on offense on Sunday.
As the underdogs, they need to come out attacking and playing with the “nothing to lose” mentality. On a talent-for-talent basis, the Commanders overall lose that battle to Philly. However, the Commanders may slightly edge the Lions in overall talent too.
The Commanders’ hopeful renewed mentality to utilize the playmakers they have, as well as being ultra-aggressive can help the Commanders pull off the upset victory.