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5 Commanders reality checks for Week 12 against the Falcons

By Tim Payne

Nov 14, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera celebrates touchdown with quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 14, 2022; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Washington Commanders head coach Ron Rivera celebrates touchdown with quarterback Taylor Heinicke (4) against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second quarter at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 25, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio (M) stands on the field during warmup prior to the Commanders’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2022; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio (M) stands on the field during warmup prior to the Commanders’ game against the Philadelphia Eagles at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Reality Is, Del Rio needs to stay aggressive.

Credit where it’s due. I was ready to move on from JDR earlier this season, but he has turned it around and found the right balance between aggression and patience in his defensive play-calling, on top of overseeing extremely impressive development of young players like Benjamin St. Juste, Jamin Davis, and Darrick Forrest who have helped transform this team into a top-8 defense in the league.

Going up against a limited offense this week in the Falcons, Del Rio must not get complacent or overly cautious in his approach, Sunday. He should continue to throttle up the pressure to put stress on Marcus Mariota, especially seeking to force him to throw.

Mariota can’t beat this team with his arm…but he just might with his legs…so let’s see if JDR is able to strike the proper balance of pressure and pocket containment to remind the Falcons why Mariota is not a franchise QB.

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