3 changes Commanders' coaching staff must consider in Week 6 at the Ravens

Commanders must find ways to limit home runs

Make no mistake about it - the team that gives up the most big plays in this game is going to lose. These are two offenses that can be on your throat in the blink of an eye, whether by the pass or by the run. These are also the two best quarterbacks in the league at making things happen down the field out of structure.

They are also two teams whose secondaries have left much to be desired. This area is likely the primary weakness thus far.

Mike Sainristil, coming out of Michigan as a college champion as a second-round pick, was all but expected to step in without growing pains right away. While that didn't happen, he's appearing more comfortable - a thing that could help the Washington Commanders' defense reach the next level.

I wouldn't be surprised if he was tasked with covering Baltimore Ravens' speedster Zay Flowers, who went for over 100 receiving yards last week against the Cincinnati Bengals. On top of seeing continued growth from Sainristil, the Commanders could also use more than just hard-hitting from safety Jeremy Chinn.

The closer Chinn gets to the line of scrimmage, the better he is. But if Joe Whitt Jr. is going to prove himself as a future head coach, molding his athleticism into a more competent pass-coverage safety would go a long way. It could also be responsible for limiting the over-the-top plays that Lamar Jackson is so good at providing.

This secondary is going to give up yards. They are going to give up points as well. But if they can get the ball a few times, and if they can limit the over-the-top plays, then the Commanders can prove themselves as one of the best teams in the league.

To do so in the first year of a rebuild with a rookie quarterback would be an obvious sign that this could become a premier organization for years to come.

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