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5 Commanders reality checks for Week 8 against the Colts

By Tim Payne

LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 23: Terry McLaurin #17 celebrates after catching a touchdown reception during the third quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images)
LANDOVER, MARYLAND - OCTOBER 23: Terry McLaurin #17 celebrates after catching a touchdown reception during the third quarter of the game against the Green Bay Packers at FedExField on October 23, 2022 in Landover, Maryland. (Photo by Mitchell Layton/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – AUGUST 15: Sam Ehlinger #4 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before the preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images)
INDIANAPOLIS, INDIANA – AUGUST 15: Sam Ehlinger #4 of the Indianapolis Colts warms up before the preseason game against the Carolina Panthers at Lucas Oil Stadium on August 15, 2021 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images) /

3. The Reality Is, Sam Ehlinger can’t be allowed to get comfortable.

Ehlinger will make his first meaningful snaps in the NFL on Sunday. Whether he’s a viable long-term answer for the Colts remains to be seen, but Washington has the opportunity to capitalize on his lack of reps, his lack of experience, and his lack of pedigree by keeping him off-balance all day on Sunday.

In spite of the fact that he’s a totally different player than Aaron Rodgers, the defensive game plan should be eerily similar against the Colts this week to what they rolled out against the Packers last week. The Commanders should look to keep Ehlinger in the pocket and force him to execute a million short throws.

Ehlinger’s lack of arm strength and experience, paired with the significant struggles of the Colts’ offensive line so far this season give Washington a distinct opportunity to keep him uncomfortable all day with zone coverage and a four-man rush. Contain Ehlinger in the pocket and key on Jonathan Taylor, and you should be able to largely shut down this Colts’ offense.

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