3 problems the Commanders must fix before Week 9 game at NY Giants

Commanders need to focus attention on Malik Nabers

First-round wide receiver Malik Nabers had something of a coming-out party in the Week 2 game against the Washington Commanders. He was targeted an astonishing 18 times, snagging 10 of them 127 receiving yards and a touchdown.

The talented rookie was building on that early success until Nabers was sidelined by a concussion in Week 4. He missed a few games and returned two weeks ago against the Philadelphia Eagles. Jayden Daniels' favorite target at LSU was mostly a non-factor in that game but played better last week versus the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Commanders' secondary stood up very well against a talented group of Chicago Bears receivers last week. The New York Giants, quite frankly, don’t have nearly as dangerous a collection of pass catchers.

Darius Slayton is an average deep threat and Wan’Dale Robinson can make the occasional play out of the slot. But neither scares anyone. Nabers is the prolific wideout who can take over a game if afforded enough space to do damage.

Washington almost allowed that to happen in Week 2 before coming through in the clutch. They should be much better prepared for Nabers heading into Week 9 given how well their defense has come along in recent weeks under Joe Whitt Jr.'s outstanding guidance.

If you want one bonus item for the Commanders' to-do list, it will be important to get out to an early lead and not give the Giants any hope. Especially considering that this hasn't been the best venue for Washington results-wise in recent years.

The Giants come into this game desperate for a win. They know full well that they have beaten Washington a lot in recent years. It would be nice for fans if the Commanders established right from the jump, proving once again that this new-look roster does not play down to its competition.

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