Controlling a developing pass rush will be an underrated focus for the Washington Commanders against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 3.
It won't be all about keeping Pro Bowl defensive end Maxx Crosby quiet. Not when the Raiders have a hidden gem up front who's been causing havoc in the pocket through two games.
Defensive tackle Jonah Laulu is a beefy and disruptive force for sub-package defenses in passing situations. He has the size and skills to wreck the Commanders' offensive line, which has been far from impressive so far.
Washington's pass protection has crumbled enough for Jayden Daniels to have absorbed seven sacks and as many quarterback hits. He's also been ruled out for Week 3, so the process of becoming more secure in the trenches must start to keep Marcus Mariota's pocket clean.
Commanders' offensive line interior must step up with Jonah Laulu coming to town
The Raiders aren't as loaded defensively as the Green Bay Packers, who beat up on Daniels at will in Week 2. Micah Parsons and others ran riot, savaging the interior. That's bad news with Laulu next up.
He's tallied three of the Raiders' six sacks and done his damage splitting gaps through the middle. The former seventh-round draft pick who began his career in the pros on the practice squad for the Indianapolis Colts is a perfect fit for what Las Vegas does defensively.
New head coach Pete Carroll loves active linemen who can power relentless waves of pressure. Laulu showcased the hustle needed to bring this system to Los Angeles Chargers passer Justin Herbert on Monday Night Football.
As Put On Raiders host Ryan Holmes highlighted, Laulu aligned as a three-technique in the B-gap between the right guard and tackle. A nifty spin move helped the 6-foot-5, 298-pounder undermine a double team, stay alive on the rush, and eventually take down Herbert.
This play showcased the problem Laulu poses to the Commanders. He punishes teams for taking the perfectly reasonable step of doubling Crosby.
The latter is a menace — a frenzy of speed, aggressive hands, and laser-focused commitment to wrecking a passing game. Paying Crosby extra attention is a must, but the risk of leaving Laulu one-on-one is considerable for an offensive line that is soft inside.
Laulu is one to be wary of this week for the way the Commanders are being pushed around along the interior. Guards Andrew Wylie and Brandon Coleman have their work cut out for them.
Stacking two tight ends on the line will help the Commanders double Crosby and even slide protection toward Laulu. It won't be easy to carry out this plan without John Bates' typical brand of formidable physicality, so second-year pro Ben Sinnott must step up and be a force.
Putting a sixth lineman onto the field in certain sets should also be under consideration from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. He can't risk the Raiders' pass rush taking over this game the way the Packers did in Week 2.
Stopping Laulu, along with Crosby, must be the focus, especially with Mariota throwing the passes.