Quan Martin and 2 under the radar Commanders who must thrive at Buccaneers

Controlling the big body at the heart of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense is just one priority for the Washington Commanders ahead of the Wild-Card playoff matchup at Raymond James Stadium this weekend.

The Commanders also need an under-the-radar wide receiver to help them exploit Tampa Bay's pressure schemes. Beating the zone blitz is key, and it's not something perimeter threat Terry McLaurin can help make happen.

It'll take a two-pronged plan to dissect a tough and resourceful Tampa Bay defense, but derailing the Buccaneers offense will take patience. Safety Quan Martin has a key role to play as somebody who can wait deep for gunslinging quarterback Baker Mayfield to eventually send a risky throw or two his way.

Unheralded Commanders players who are key to victory in the Wild-Card round

Tyler Biadasz must be strong on his return

Having Tyler Biadasz back is a major boost ahead of facing formidable nose tackle Vita Vea. The veteran center is recovering from a sprained ankle, but the former Dallas Cowboys pivotman has been one of the Commanders' best offensive linemen when fully healthy.

Putting Biadasz over Vea is the best first step toward handling the fulcrum of Tampa Bay's imposing front seven. The 6-foot-4, 347-pounder is the linchpin of a stingy run defense, while his tremendous push on the pocket makes the Buccaneers' blitz packages work.

Keeping Vea under wraps will require a collective effort. Biadasz will need the help of guards Nick Allegretti and Sam Cosmi to form double teams around the space-hogging force.

Everything starts with Biadasz. He must prove he can at least stand his ground against a dominant Pro Bowler. Reducing Vea's influence will make the Buccaneers blitzing easier to handle, provided another under-the-radar Commanders player contributes.

Jamison Crowder can beat the blitz

The Buccaneers love a zone blitz, which means Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels should expect to see defensive linemen bail into coverage. Bigger, bulkier players trying to operate in space is a mismatch Washington can exploit if Jamison Crowder gets more involved.

He's a natural slot receiver who's at his best working underneath, turning short passes into longer gains. Crowder was a hero when he caught two touchdowns to help beat the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 16, but his core skills have largely been ignored since.

The veteran snagged three catches against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 17 but was unused on offense during the win over the Dallas Cowboys in the regular season finale. Crowder needs more work in Florida because he's diminutive and shifty enough to escape edge rushers and defensive tackles trying to play coverage.

Of course, the 177-pounder running smack into Vea or 270-pound outside linebacker YaYa Diaby would lead to a collision sure to make the eyes wince and stomach churn. So long as he's protected by smart routes and safe throws, Crowder can be prolific against this defense.

Washington's own defense should rely more on protecting the deep passing lanes.

Quan Martin should play a waiting game

The Commanders should keep two safeties deep as often as possible if they're going to do a better job of shutting down Mike Evans. He got his hands on five of Baker Mayfield's passes for 61 receiving yards and two scores when the two teams met in Week 1.

Playing a two-deep shell is also important because if the Commanders wait long enough, Mayfield will throw long into coverage. That's when Martin can pounce, the way he did when Falcons rookie signal-caller Michael Penix Jr. overthrew in Week 17.

Penix chanced his arm, but few quarterbacks are prepared to take risks like Mayfield. A daring streak is what makes the 29-year-old an entertaining watch, but it also makes him a turnover machine who's thrown 90 interceptions in seven seasons.

The Commanders should wait for Mayfield to hit the self-destruct button, leaving Daniels to turn some key takeaways into priceless points on the road.

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