3 under the radar Commanders who must contribute in Week 5 vs. Browns

The Cleveland Browns might look like easy marks headed into Northwest Stadium to face the red-hot Washington Commanders in Week 5. But the narrative will change if three under-the-radar members of the roster don't contribute.

The trio is comprised of a useful slot receiver, a blocking tight end, and a once highly touted edge rusher who is struggling to meet expectations. Each of these players can perform key roles undermining the Browns' best players and schemes on both sides of the ball.

Under the radar Commanders who must contribute vs. Browns

Olamide Zaccheaus can build on prolific Week 4 display

Olamide Zaccheaus is quietly becoming a go-to target for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The former Atlanta Falcons and Philadelphia Eagles wideout was prolific against the Arizona Cardinals last week.

Zaccheaus snagged all six of his targets and converted them all into first downs during the win at State Farm Stadium. Those numbers were made possible because the undrafted veteran continued to win after the catch.

Every young passer needs a reliable chain mover. Daniels is gaining more ]confidence looking Zaccheaus' way. That should continue against the Browns, who aren't shy about playing a lot of zone coverage, so there ought to be plenty of room for the dependable pass-catcher to turn short completions into longer gains.

Quick throws to Zaccheaus will also help Daniels stay clean against a Cleveland pass rush led by a formidable front four. It's a group one other member of the Commanders' offense can help contain.

Ben Sinnott needs another big day blocking

Usually, a tight end who was a second-round pick in the draft being more notable for his blocking than receiving would be a disappointment. That's not the case with Ben Sinnott, because he has just been so good at clearing running lanes and holding up in pass protection.

Sinnott and fellow tight end John Bates, the Commanders' very own Mr. Underrated, have proved vital in making the run a feature of coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's offense. They've also done their bit to slow down edge rushers and give Daniels an extra second in obvious passing situations.

The Commanders need Sinnott to do more of both this week. His primary concern should be chipping defensive ends Myles Garrett and Za'Darius Smith. They will wreck this game if Washington doesn't make special plans.

Another good way to nullify a relentless pass rush is to lean on the running game. The Commanders can do that because of the way Sinnott and Bates are helping the offensive line put defenders on skates.

More of the same from Sinnott can help the Commanders win on the ground again and keep Garrett and his teammates gassed.

Dante Fowler Jr. must play better

He barely made a dent in Arizona, but Dante Fowler Jr. has to be more of a factor against the Browns. Specifically, Commanders' head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. need their edge defenders to contain quarterback Deshaun Watson in the pocket.

Washington's defense faced a similar challenge against Kyler Murray and the Cardinals, and the unit generally proved up to the task. The same effort will be needed to ensure Watson doesn't move the pocket and execute off-platform throws too often.

Fowler can help by assisting fellow former Dallas Cowboys defensive end Dorance Armstrong Jr. to maintain rush discipline on the outside. They can force Watson to climb the pocket and run into defensive tackles Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, along with rookie Johnny Newton.

A consistent pass rush is still missing for the Commanders. Fowler, who has three seasons with six sacks or more, needs to step up.

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