7 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Week 4 at the Cardinals
By Dean Jones
Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders need more from Benjamin St-Juste. He's their top cornerback in a room desperately short of dependable options. There have been his customary flashes, but the same frustrations that blighted his season in 2023 remain.
St-Juste found life difficult when matched up against Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins in Week 3. This has been the tale of the tape throughout his career. Something has to improve - and quickly - to bolster his chances of an extended stay beyond the current campaign.
The former third-round selection is giving up 63 percent of his targets through three weeks. St-Juste has conceded 255 receiving yards at 15 yards per reception with three touchdowns and a 130.9 passer rating when targeted. This is deeply concerning for someone who was expected to be the CB1 under Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.
If St-Juste was hoping for some respite this weekend, he's out of luck. The defensive back will be coming up against rookie sensation Marvin Harrison Jr. This could be another long afternoon for the player unless significant adjustments arrive, so a huge effort is needed to counteract the supreme threat posed by the gifted wide receiver.
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
It's time for Jonathan Allen to show up.
The veteran defensive tackle is not performing to his typically high standards through the first three weeks of the campaign. Most attributed last season's regression to a lack of motivation and increasing disillusionment under previous head coach Ron Rivera. However, it seems like this could have been the start of a concerning trend.
Allen's motivational ability is not in question. His on-field production is less enthusing, with the former first-round pick lacking explosiveness to the contact point and being lethargic in pursuit of oncoming runners.
The Alabama product is offering almost nothing from a pass-rushing standpoint to further raise concern. Washington ramped up rookie second-rounder Johnny Newton's usage in Week 3 at the Cincinnati Bengals - with Daron Payne getting more reps at the defensive end spot. This trend will continue unless Allen raises his production accordingly.
If this becomes an untenable situation for the interior force, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of general manager Adam Peters using the Pro Bowler as a bargaining chip before the 2024 trade deadline. Something that's becoming more likely with every indifferent performance.