5 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Week 5 vs. the Browns

Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB

Things didn't look too promising for the Washington Commanders' defense in the first quarter of their eventual win at the Arizona Cardinals. They had no answer for the dynamic trio of Kyler Murray, James Conner, and rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. Thankfully for everyone associated with the organization, Joe Whitt Jr. made the adjustments needed and finally got a tune out of his underperforming unit.

Benjamin St-Juste remains inconsistent, but there were signs of life in Week 4. The former third-round selection is still giving up a 130.8 passer rating when targeted, so the job is far from finished. Improving briefly before going back to his old ways is not going to cut it.

St-Juste has another pivotal role to play against the Cleveland Browns at Northwest Stadium. The physically imposing cornerback will be matched up with Amari Cooper a lot. He's suffered some drop issues this year but is one of the slickest route-runners around. Kevin Stefanski's squad could also have Jerry Jeudy available again, which represents another potential concern for the Commanders to overcome.

If the Commanders don't get solid performances from the likes of St-Juste and Mike Sainristil, this might have to become another shootout in pursuit of victory. Let's hope the Minnesota product can build on a relatively pleasing showing in Arizona with the home fans driving him on.

Luke McCaffrey - Commanders WR

Noah Brown has been officially ruled out for Washington's game against the Browns in Week 5. That puts the onus on others in the wide receiver room to step up and make their presence felt.

The Commanders will be relying more on Luke McCaffrey in this one. Washington needs to get the football out quicker than ever to keep Myles Garrett and Za'Darius Smith from creating havoc in the backfield. Having someone capable of creating separation over short-to-intermediate routes is going to be an immense asset. That's where the third-round pick out of Rice comes in.

McCaffrey has one of the best separation rates in the entire league according to Pro Football Focus. The Commanders have taken their time with the wideout while he adjusts. This might be the time those in power opt to get him heavily involved.

The Cleveland Browns have Greg Newsome II, who's among the best nickel cornerbacks in the NFL. If McCaffrey struggles, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury must put the pass-catcher in motion to find the mismatches needed to make a difference at Northwest Stadium.