3 under the radar Commanders who must contribute in Week 4 at Cardinals

The Washington Commanders are likely still aglow from their nation-grabbing win over the Cincinnati Bengals. But it's important not to waste any momentum against a tough and resourceful Arizona Cardinals team in Week 4.

Beating the Bengals was all about Jayden Daniels, but winning in Arizona will require a special effort from a struggling defense. The unit can deliver if an unheralded edge defender helps keep Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray in the pocket.

Forcing Murray to be static will still be a problem if the Commanders don't have a smarter coverage plan. The scheme should involve finally letting a starting cornerback play to his strengths. Only then will the Commanders have a chance to control gifted rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.

Control should be the watchword for Washington's offense in Arizona. Daniels needs to lean on a healthy dose of a productive running game. That won't be easy when Austin Ekeler is on the shelf with a concussion, but a mauler along the offensive line can still help the Commanders win the battle on the ground.

Under the radar Commanders who must contribute in Week 4

Benjamin St-Juste needs to press

It's always an uneasy experience watching Benjamin St-Juste line up in off-coverage. Quite why the Commanders often have their biggest cornerback give receivers a cushion is a mystery.

That has to change this week. St-Juste must be allowed to use his 6-foot-3, 200-pound frame to get handsy with Harrison. To extend those arms and jam Arizona's best wideout out of his breaks.

You can probably tell from the latter description how St-Juste also needs to shadow the No. 4 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft all over the field. Rolling the Minnesota product up in press coverage and keeping a safety over the top can take away Murray's primary read.

The last thing Washington head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. want is a repeat of the single-coverage madness that allowed Ja'Marr Chase to reel in two touchdown catches in Week 3.

Javontae Jean-Baptiste must rush with discipline

A maiden sack in the pros highlighted Javontae Jean-Baptiste's night in Cincinnati. This year's seventh-round pick can build on that display by playing a key role in containing Murray.

The containment plan hinges on edge-rushers staying in their lanes on the outside. Jean-Baptiste has the length at 6-foot-5, but he'll also need to be disciplined.

That means no rushing beyond Murray's back foot. No slanting inside and giving the Cardinals' franchise player an easy escape route on the outside. This game is all about putting a box around the former No. 1 pick out of Oklahoma.

The Commanders are still searching for credible solutions on the edges of their defensive line. Jean-Baptiste has the raw physical tools to answer the call, provided he adds some nuance to his game. Proving he can temper and modify his rush plan will be a good start.

Nick Allegretti can control the line of scrimmage

It hasn't taken long for Nick Allegretti to bring a nasty edge to the Commanders' offensive line. The rugged former Kansas City Chiefs left guard is putting defenders on skates in the running game.

Ekeler was the beneficiary in Week 3, ripping off a 24-yard touchdown scamper behind these blocks from Allegretti and fellow guard Sam Cosmi.

This level of brute force in the trenches is why the Commanders are averaging 4.8 yards a carry. The Cardinals are only yielding 3.8 per rush, but Allegretti and the increasingly formidable interior of Washington's front five can knock open enough holes for Brian Robinson Jr. to control the clock and keep Murray waiting.

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