5 sneaky threats the Commanders should worry about vs. NY Giants in Week 11
By James Dudko
Commanders need to control A'Shawn Robinson
He hasn't been a dominant force this season, but A'Shawn Robinson is still the toughest run-stuffer for the New York Giants up front. The 6-foot-4, 330-pounder knows how to absorb double teams, split gaps, and make plays in the backfield if afforded enough space.
Robinson, who won a Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams to cap the 2021 season, has three tackles for loss during a trying first season with Big Blue. One of those plays came against the Washington Commanders in Week 7, per Nick Falato of SB Nation's Big Blue View.
A'Shawn Robinson as a 6-Techinque to blow up the TE on this third quarter 13 personnel GH-counter run 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/1QC7ImJ9tG
— Nick Falato (@nickfalato) October 23, 2023
The play shows a fundamental flaw in Washington's blocking schemes versus the Giants. Putting a tight end over a defensive lineman as powerful as Robinson is a recipe for disaster.
Eric Bieniemy must adjust by having beefy guard Chris Paul - all 6-foot-4 and 324 pounds of him - slide over to engulf Robinson. Putting some weight on No. 91 can help the Commanders isolate Micah McFadden and another undersized inside linebacker.