3 problems the Commanders must address before Week 11 at Eagles

Commanders interior OL must handle the pressure

Tyler Biadasz, Nick Allegretti, and Sam Cosmi have provided a steady core for the Washington Commanders' offense this season. This trio must be at their brilliant best in Week 11 with the national spotlight glaring.

Though they have not been dominant, the offensive interior has provided decent running lanes for Brian Robinson Jr. and company. They've also kept Jayden Daniels from being pressured in the pocket.

The rookie signal-caller has shown the ability to handle most edge rushers. But no quarterback can overcome pressure right up the gut.

That changed against the Pittsburgh Steelers' defense very strong in the middle. Biadasz was struggling with an injury. Both Cosmi and Allegretti had their hands full with Cameron Heyward, Larry Ogunjobi, and Keanu Benton.

Those Steelers interior defenders combined for six tackles, three tackles for loss, two sacks, and two pass deflections. That is insane production coming from the defensive tackle position.

They also opened up doors for linebackers Patrick Queen and Elandon Roberts to attack Commanders ball-carriers. Most of all, they made it very difficult for Daniels to find any room to operate either within the pocket or on running plays.

This was very reminiscent of the Baltimore Ravens game. Their stout defensive front and speedy linebackers largely shut down Daniels’ explosive plays. It cannot become an ongoing trend.

The Commanders face another stern test against the Philadelphia Eagles. Their defense is predicated on the dominant play of interior linemen Jalen Carter, Jordan Davis, Milton Williams, and Moro Ojomo. They are a ruthless quartet capable of making life extremely uncomfortable.

Carter and Davis are huge and athletic. Williams always seems to play well against Washington. Veteran defensive coordinator Vic Fangio substitutes liberally, ensuring that his best players remain fresh throughout the game.

The Commanders would benefit enormously from having injured starters Robinson, Cornelius Lucas, and Andrew Wylie back on the field. Even if all of them return, it won’t matter if Washington's interior protectors don’t hold up effectively.