5 sneaky threats the Commanders should worry about vs. Dolphins in Week 13
By James Dudko
Sam Howell must locate David Long Jr. and assign protection
David Long Jr. only has one sack to his credit this season, but the linebacker has been blitzed 35 times by defensive coordinator Vic Fangio. He has the timing, acceleration, and downhill instincts to get into the backfield in a hurry.
He won't be lacking opportunities to get to quarterback Sam Howell, who must identify pressure and assign protection accordingly. The former fifth-round pick out of North Carolina's had his issues in this area, but the personnel around him haven't always helped.
Neither one of running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Antonio Gibson excel in pass coverage. Eric Bieniemy would be wiser to put Alex Armah onto the field in obvious passing situations when Fangio is likely to send Long and fellow linebacker Jerome Baker on the blitz.
Armah could also help limit one of Miami's primary pass-rushers off the edge.