3 under the radar Commanders who must contribute in Week 7 vs. Panthers

Avoiding the proverbial 'trap game' should be on the minds of the Washington Comanders when they host the Carolina Panthers at Northwest Stadium in Week 7. They are 1-5, but there's talent on the roster. Players who could catch Dan Quinn's men cold if three under-the-radar contributors don't make an impact.

It's a good thing one of those players will enter the game in fine form after logging two sacks against the Baltimore Ravens in Week 6. Another big day will be needed amid a slew of injury doubts along Washington's defensive line.

Injury problems are also prevalent at the safety spot. Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. may need to turn to a defensive back more comfortable playing special teams for help. His experience in football's third phase will still be invaluable in subduing an underrated threat for the Panthers.

Health isn't an issue at wide receiver, but the Commanders could use more big plays to support primary target Terry McLaurin. A veteran able to stretch coverage can exploit the Panthers' weakness defending the deep portion of the field.

Under the radar Commanders who must contribute vs. Panthers

Dyami Brown must test the Panthers deep

The Panthers are sure to focus their attention on McLaurin after his recent impressive showings that include catching four touchdown passes from Jayden Daniels in as many games. It means there's room for another wideout to get open and make plays.

That should be good news for Dyami Brown. He's been a passenger in recent weeks, but still has the right attributes to burn the Panthers deep. Carolina's defense has given up five catches of 40-plus yards, tied for the most in the NFL.

Brown hasn't had many targets, but he's still showing a penchant for getting vertical. The 24-year-old is second among all Commanders' receivers with a 13.1-yard average per catch.

Combining Brown's straight-line speed with Daniels' awesome arm talent ought to be an early feature of offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's game plan.

Jeremy Reaves can play dual role

He's used to working almost exclusively on special teams, but Jeremy Reaves could get more reps with the defense this week. Tyler Owens, Percy Butler, and Quan Martin haven't participated much in practice this week, so the All-Pro special teamer might be thrust into the limelight.

Thankfully, this is one position where the Commanders aren't short of depth. One of Reaves or Darrick Forrest might be called upon. If it's the former, he'll still have a vital role to play in the kicking game.

The 2022 Pro Bowler is the Commanders' most active and effective special-teamer. Reaves' status means he will have a seek-and-destroy mission to stop dangerous Panthers returner Raheem Blackshear.

He leads the league with 475 yards returning kickoffs, including 17 runbacks or 20 or more yards. Blackshear is also averaging a respectable 9.4 yards on punt returns, so Reaves will be kept busy.

Dante Fowler Jr. needs to power injury-depleted pass rush

Last week, Dante Fowler Jr. finally looked like the player who logged 11. 5 sacks for the Los Angeles Rams in 2019. He got to Lamar Jackson twice, even recovering from being pancaked to eventually get one sack.

Fowler will need the same hustle to keep the pass rush viable against the Panthers and Andy Dalton. Especially when Jonathan Allen's out for the season and Dorance Armstrong Jr. is dealing with a rib injury.

To make matters worse, Clelin Ferrell and Daron Payne have been limited in practice thanks to knee issues. Just for the topper, ESPN's John Keim confirmed rookie defensive end Javontae Jean-Baptiste has joined Allen on injured reserve.

The Commanders did sign two linemen, Jalyn Holmes and Sheldon Day, for depth. But the onus will be on Fowler and Payne to carry the pass rush this week. They must make things uncomfortable for Dalton, who is still a capable passer if he's allowed to get into a rhythm.

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