3 problems the Commanders must address before Week 4 at the Cardinals

Commanders' linebackers and safeties must stop Trey McBride

The Washington Commanders have struggled mightily against the likes of Chris Godwin, Mike Evans, Malik Nabers, and Ja’Marr Chase this season. They are some of the league's most explosive wide receivers, so it's understandable to a certain extent. Another gifted pass-catcher awaits them this weekend when they try to limit Marvin Harrison Jr.'s influence throughout.

Harrison will certainly test the inconsistent cornerbacks at the Commanders' disposal. But Washington’s pass defense will face a new challenge this week. One that could play a leading role in the overall outcome of the contest.

Trey McBride is far and away the best tight end they have seen so far. In Washington's first two games this year, opposing tight ends barely figured into the game plan. Against the Cincinnati Bengals, the Commanders had some trouble with Mike Gesicki and Erick All Jr. They caught eight out of their nine targets from quarterback Joe Burrow. Even so, Joe Whitt Jr.'s unit was able to limit their yards-after-catch numbers.

That's something, at least.

McBride will test the Washington linebackers and safeties. Bobby Wagner still has the smarts of an effective coverage backer, but he doesn’t quite have the speed. Frankie Luvu is better at attacking than dropping back. The same is true of safety Jeremy Chinn.

The coaching staff prefers Percy Butler to Darrick Forrest based on the latter being a healthy scratch so far. But the former Cincinnati standout might be better suited for this particular matchup thanks to his coverage prowess and ability to read the quarterback.

However they prepare, they cannot let McBride run free the way that Gesicki and All did last week. He will make them pay for it.

The one caveat here is that McBride entered the league’s concussion protocol after a jarring hit against the Detroit Lions. Washington’s Austin Ekeler is in the same boat and has already been ruled out by head coach Dan Quinn.

If McBride is not cleared to play, it will remove a major concern for the Commanders' defense.