Commanders must nullify prolific threat to win at the Buccaneers in Week 1

Containing Mike Evans is the key to the Washington Commanders getting off to a winning start in the Dan Quinn era. Sounds simple enough, but not many defenses manage to keep the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' 10-time 1,000-yard wide receiver quiet.

That's the challenge facing a revamped Washington secondary at Raymond James Stadium in Week 1. Just like stopping any dominant player, corralling Evan will require a committee approach. Especially considering the concerns surrounding the Commanders' outside cornerback options.

The plan should start with identifying what Evans does best.

Commanders must respect Mike Evans' vertical threat

Being a size and speed mismatch defines Evans' success. The 6-foot-5, 231-pounder dominates vertically.

It's how the 31-year-old was able to share the NFL lead with 13 touchdown catches during his 10th season in 2023. His long stride, thick frame, and strong hands help Evans win consistently outside the numbers. He did that enough to average an impressive 15.9 yards per reception.

The Buccaneers' passing game is predicated on those big plays. Quarterback Baker Mayfield usually looks first for a sudden strike to Evans. Taking this go-to connection away has to be the Commanders' priority.

It will require numbers and creativity from Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.

Commanders must bracket Mike Evans

Playing Evans one-on-one is a mistake opposing teams always regret. The five-time Pro Bowler continued to punish defenses impressively enough to risk single coverage last season, per alarming numbers from Pro Football Focus Fantasy and Betting.

Those statistics form a clear message to Quinn and Whitt. They need to put a bracket around Evans.

Double coverage is the obvious starting point to begin nullifying Evans, but the Commanders will also need to mix up their techniques. That can mean rolling up a cornerback in press coverage with a safety over the top.

Fortunately, the depth chart shows Washington is prizing size and physicality at cornerback this season. Benjamin St-Juste is a logical matchup for Evans at 6-foot-3. But second-round draft pick Mike Sainristil, who has special traits, is scrappy enough to jam No. 13 underneath.

Another option is for the Commanders to play their corners in off-coverage, having bigger bodies press and hit Evans early out of his breaks. This inverted bracket can work with somebody like safety Quan Martin or rookie hybrid safety/linebacker Dominique Hampton bodying the former Texas A&M star at the line of scrimmage, while St-Juste or Sainristil wait for the decorated receiver deep.

Hitting Evans early and often through his routes should be the in-built adjustment within the Commanders' coverage schemes. Whether he's running a corner, post, or slant routes, the prolific pass-catcher needs to be contacted.

Newcomers like linebackers Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner, along with box safety Jeremy Chinn, must be lurking for Evans between the numbers whenever he's on their side of the field. He'll snag his receptions, but big hits soon after will make him regret trying to turn into a running back after the catch.

Doubling and being physical with a No. 1 receiver is nothing new. But it's how the Commanders can make Mayfield and the Buccaneers beat them with somebody other than Evans.

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