The Washington Commanders can settle a score by beating the New York Giants at FedEx Field in Week 11, provided they keep the following players quiet.
Losing 14-7 at MetLife Stadium in Week 7 was arguably the low point for the Washington Commanders so far this season. It gave them the dubious distinction of being one of only two teams beaten by a New York Giants outfit in disarray thanks to injuries, coaching mishaps, and bizarre personnel decisions.
Evening 2023's series against their NFC East rivals shouldn't be beyond the Commanders. Not when the Giants are beset by a lengthy injury list and led by undrafted free agent Tommy DeVito at quarterback.
To meet the expectations of sportsbooks around the country, the Commanders must keep these three players quiet in Week 11.
Commanders can pressure Tommy DeVito into mistakes
Trading defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat has forced the Commanders to manufacture a pass rush. Head coach Ron Rivera and defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio have so far answered the call, even if their pressure calls didn't always bear fruit during Week 10's defeat to the Seattle Seahawks.
Things should be different against Tommy DeVito. The out-of-his-depth rookie has made just one career start in the pros, a 49-17 defeat to the Dallas Cowboys.
DeVito was sacked five times and threw a pick in Dallas. The Commanders don't have a stud edge-rusher like All-Pro Micah Parsons to collapse the pocket, but blitzing players from the secondary should force DeVito into taking more than a few sacks.
This pressure against the Seahawks, highlighted by the host of the Burgundy Zone podcast, created a free rush lane for safety Kamren Curl.
Jack Del Rio called some well designed and executed Blitzes vs Seattle.
— The Podfather (@TheBurgundyZone) November 15, 2023
The Defense sends 7 rushers with one of those being a disguised rush by Kam Curl that forces Geno to throw it away! #HTTC pic.twitter.com/WxJcCLo3T3
Overwhelming an inexperienced signal-caller, as well as an injury-hit New York Giants offensive line, is the key to a comfortable victory for the Commanders. If DeVito does get time to throw, Washington can't let him connect with a familiar deep threat.
Commanders can't let Darius Slayton stretch the field
Darius Slayton is grumbling his way through a disappointing campaign, but he's still the New York Giants' most productive wide receiver. He's amassed 337 receiving yards, including 13 yards per reception.
Slayton's also a deep threat who's burned the Washington Commanders in the past. The 26-year-old snagged six catches for 90 receiving yards when these two teams battled to a 20-20 tie last season, including a 55-yard grab which was an undoubted highlight from the clash.
The wideout has no trouble getting vertical, but his speed after the catch caused problems in Week 7. The wideout got loose for 22 yards on this play.
Tyrod Taylor 22-yd pass to Darius Slayton#Commanders 0 #NYGiants 0 1st pic.twitter.com/dZYI3K0njn
— Sᴘᴏʀᴛs 24/7 (@Sports_24x7_) October 22, 2023
The Commanders can't give Slayton the room they afforded Seattle Seahawks' receivers D.K. Metcalf and Tyler Lockett last time out. Rather than playing off coverage, defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio should have his cornerbacks roll up and press the Giants' primary pass-catchers.
Challenging Tommy DeVito and a suspect supporting cast to beat man coverage is a contest Washington's defense ought to win every time.
However, the Giants' defense might keep them in this game if one edge-rusher continues to thrive against the Commanders.
Commanders must keep Azeez Ojulari quiet
Azeez Ojulari has logged 2.5 sacks in four career starts against the Washington Commanders. He's likely to be the primary pass-rushing threat for the New York Giants if outside linebacker Kayvon Thibodeaux is still dealing with a concussion.
Thibodeaux did practice Thursday, albeit "on a limited (non-contact) basis," according to Paul Schwartz of the New York Post. If the former first-round pick doesn't take the field, the Commanders will be free to slide protection toward Ojulari.
They should also consider doubling No. 51 by putting tight end John Bates over Ojulari.
Commanders' offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can expect Giants' defensive play-caller Don 'Wink' Martindale to blitz early and often. The experienced figure's pressure schemes can be effective, but they are boom or bust.
The more the Giants send extra rushers, the more Bieniemy can draw up plays for quarterback Sam Howell to beat pressure. A few big plays from the in-form gunslinger, while DeVito is swarmed upon by Washington's blitz, will prove the difference in this game.