3 glaring problems the Commanders must fix in Week 2 vs. the NY Giants

Commanders pass-rushers must wrap up Daniel Jones

I am not as worried about the Washington Commanders' suspect cornerback play this Sunday because the New York Giants do not have wide receivers as good as Mike Evans and Chris Godwin. But I am very worried about how easily quarterback Baker Mayfield avoided pressure in the pocket and extended plays with his legs.

That is the one thing that Giants’ signal-caller Daniel Jones is good at. And he usually seems to show off that skill best against the Commanders.

The Commanders’ pass rush wasn’t especially good against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, but they did generate some pressure. They just couldn’t close the deal unless defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. sent the house. Jonathan Allen seemed to whiff on one potential sack and several other linemen grazed Mayfield in the pocket but couldn’t get him on the ground.

If Washington doesn’t get Jones on the ground, he will run them into the ground. He has done this to the Commanders throughout his career. He will be able to extend plays, which will elevate his average group of receivers. The Duke product will be able to run for first downs at crucial moments. That could be a huge problem.

Mayfield made the Commanders' pass rushers look inept. Jones is more dangerous than the former Oklahoma standout in this one particular area. Something that won't go unnoticed by Whitt and Dan Quinn during their preparations.

Getting close isn’t going to be enough on Sunday. The Washington defensive line and edge rushers have to get Jones on the ground. There is no other option in pursuit of success.

I didn’t include Washington’s offensive line’s recent struggles against the Giants’ pass rushers because Jayden Daniels’ mobility should help offset that potential problem. But if you want a bonus item, you can worry about that too.

For me, I’m just worrying about the first three. If the Commanders address them, they will win. If not, 0-2 is not the way any of us wanted to start.

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