5 sneaky threats for the Commanders to worry about at Broncos in Week 2
By James Dudko
Commanders can keep Josey Jewell guessing
Josey Jewell is a cerebral linebacker who doesn't shy away from run fits. He was a key figure in helping the Denver Broncos keep 2022 NFL rushing champion Josh Jacobs under wraps last week against the Las Vegas Raiders, even if it wasn't enough for Sean Payton to get his first regular-season win since taking over.
Speaking to Zac Stevens of DNVR Broncos, Jewell emphasized "being physical" as pivotal to stopping Jacobs.
Josey Jewell said the key to holding Josh Jacobs to 2.5 yards per carry was being physical up front and tackling well.
— Zac Stevens (@ZacStevensDNVR) September 11, 2023
The Washington Commanders' offense isn't the toughest unit up front. But they need to get hats on Jewell in the running game.
Keeping tight ends in to block will create double teams and free more mobile linemen to get to the second level. But even that might not be enough to counteract a player with exceptional instincts.
Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy also needs to keep Jewell guessing by mixing outside zone runs and power and gap plays inside. Establishing the run will also reduce the need for Sam Howell to test a talented Denver secondary and help the Commanders avoid the mistakes that kept the Arizona Cardinals hanging around.
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