7 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Week 6 at the Ravens

Mike Sainristil - Commanders CB

Most have centered their pre-game focus on the Baltimore Ravens' rushing attack with Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry in the backfield. However, they're also among the league's best passing teams to further raise concerns for the Washington Commanders.

The Ravens are averaging 236.4 yards per game through the air. This comes from establishing the run and using play-action to take advantage of stacked boxes. They are still a legitimate wide receiver away from being Super Bowl favorites, but Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman can get downfield quickly and secure big catches when opportunities arise.

Mike Sainristil needs to step up in a big way this weekend. The second-round cornerback endured a rough start to his pro career, but he's getting better with more experience. The Washington Commanders are tasking him with outside responsibilities given their lack of legitimate contributors, so there was always going to be an adjustment period. This will be a strong measuring stick for the rookie.

Being disciplined is critical. Sainristil cannot get baited by Jackson under any circumstance. The Ravens will likely test the former Michigan star early and often to see how he copes. Becoming a strong coverage presence and also assisting in run support when required must be accomplished by the No. 50 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Tyler Biadasz - Commanders C

The Ravens are a formidable force to overcome on their 3-4 defensive front. This is anchored by nose tackle Michael Pierce, who's one of the league's best at clogging up space and absorbing double teams for others to do damage.

It's a challenge the Commanders must embrace along their offensive line interior, which is performing well despite two new faces alongside stud right guard Sam Cosmi. This is another step up, so they must respond in kind to give rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels a fighting chance.

Tyler Biadasz is a big reason behind the entire protection improving drastically through five weeks. His pre-snap communication, aggressiveness on running plays, and ability to hold his own in pass protection have been a revelation so far. The former fourth-round pick out of Wisconsin has yet to give up a single pressure or sack from 326 offensive snaps. He'll need all that and more to counteract the supreme threat Pierce brings to the table.

Pierce is 355 pounds of brute force. Biadasz may need some help on occasion, but he'll relish this stern test. He's also got the experience of being in big-game environments during his time with the Dallas Cowboys. That's going to assist enormously considering how Washington lacks this after languishing among the bottom feeders for so long.