John Bates carries Commanders’ best hope of surviving Seahawks’ blitz barrage

He's always been a niche player, but John Bates has rarely been more important to the Washington Commanders than he is in Week 3's game against the Seattle Seahawks.

The veteran tight end has a crucial role in limiting what the reigning Super Bowl champions do best on defense.

Bates can remind the Commanders of his value at a position that has been below par this season. Even before prized free-agent acquisition Chig Okonkwo was ruled out for the game at Northwest Stadium because of a lingering hamstring injury.

Okonkwo's the antithesis of Bates. A roving, dynamic after-the-catch playmaker, he can move across formations to create easy targets and big plays in the passing game.

John Bates must make Commanders' protection plan work against the Seahawks

That was the theory, but things haven't played out as expected since he arrived from the Tennessee Titans. Fortunately, the Commanders don't need an Okonkwo against the Seahawks.

Instead, offensive coordinator David Blough needs Bates' particular throwback talents to help give backup quarterback Marcus Mariota even a remote chance of making the defending champions nervous.

Ben Sinnott is the obvious next man up at tight end, but only in terms of Washington's passing game. That part of the Mariota-led offense won't work if the Commanders can't get their protection plan right against the Seahawks' sophisticated blitz packages.

Stacking Bates on the offensive line for every passing situation is one way to secure the pocket in front of Mariota. The Commanders' offensive line will need the help because Mike Macdonald and defensive coordinator Aden Durde send pressure from all angles.

They're particularly fond of blitzing defensive backs like slot cornerback Devon Witherspoon and do-all safety Nick Emmanwori.

Both are core weapons in the Seahawks' pressure plan. Witherspoon was a menace against the New England Patriots in last season's Super Bowl, making plays like this sack of quarterback Drake Maye on numerous blitzes.

He blitzed seven times during Week 1's Super Bowl rematch with the Patriots, according to Pro Football Reference, so the Commanders have to be able to put a hat on No. 21 coming off the edge.

That's a job for Bates, who will also have to worry about the returning Emmanwori.

He's the model modern hybrid NFL defensive back. The perfect fusion of safety and linebacker, and you must account for him every inch closer he gets to the line of scrimmage.

A fully healthy Emmanwori will be a major threat to the Commanders, but they can't forget about underrated linebacker Drake Thomas. He's quietly becoming a force rushing the passer, with one sack, three pressures, one hurry, and a quarterback knockdown through two games.

This many pass-rushing threats hovering on and around a defensive line formidable in its own right will be too much for the Commanders' front five to handle alone. Blough ought to stack Bates and Sinnott on each side of Washington's offensive line as minders for struggling tackles Brandon Coleman and Josh Conerly Jr.

Bates' role along these overloaded fronts can also help the Commanders limit the Seahawks' opportunities to blitz.

Commanders need to control heart of the Seahawks' defensive line

Seattle's defensive strength comes from the heart of its line, anchored by Leonard Williams and Byron Murphy II. Add in veterans Jarran Reed and DeMarcus Lawrence, along with second-year pro Rylie Mills, and the Seahawks have an embarrassment of riches on the inside.

Controlling this group on early downs is the under-the-radar route to a Commanders upset. Blough's offense must establish the run to stay ahead of the sticks and keep down-and-distance situations manageable, denying the Seahawks chances to send blitzing defenders after Mariota.

The latter won't be able to rely on Bates and Sinnott offering much help as receivers. Not when the Commanders' tight ends have mustered only mediocre production so far this season, per JP Finlay of NBC4 Sports.

So it's a good thing Bates is already more valuable in the running game. His ability to handle one-on-one blocking assignments on the edge can let the Commanders double-team the Seahawks' interior linemen and create rushing lanes for Rachaad White and Jacory Croskey-Merritt.

Playing safety first is the Commanders' only hope of making this game competitive.

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