3 challenging tasks the Commanders must accomplish in Week 11 vs. NY Giants
By Dean Jones
Commanders must identify pre-snap defensive packages
For all the New York Giants' complications on offense, their defensive unit still has some difference-makers that can become a significant threat to the Washington Commanders in Week 11. Something Eric Bieniemy and the rest of his staff must be well-prepared for when the rubber hits the road this afternoon.
The Commanders looked almost clueless versus Wink Martindale's blitz packages during their previous encounter this season. The offensive line didn't have the first clue where pressure was coming from on any given play, with quarterback Sam Howell's inexperience coming with complications reading blitz packages.
Thankfully, this is an area where Howell's grown considerably in recent weeks. For the 2022 fifth-round selection to excel in this one, he needs to identify potential pressure schemes, communicate this quickly to the protection, and change up plays if the situation dictates.
The onus will also be on experienced figures such as Tyler Larsen, Charles Leno Jr., and Andrew Wylie to pick up the slack. Martindale's ultra-aggressive approach can bring severe complications when early momentum is generated, although the Commanders won't have Leonard Williams to worry about after the defensive lineman was traded to the Seattle Seahawks before the deadline.
Keep things simple. Get the football out quickly. Stick to what's been working over the last few games.
That's the recipe for success. And it all starts by recognizing the defensive setup pre-snap on a down-to-down basis.