NFL
By: Rick
When someone says the Washington Commanders have an uphill battle, there’s no doubt about it. The Detroit Lions proved they could be kings of the NFC in the regular season and now will face Washington after a week’s rest. The Commanders will have to bring their best, and it all starts with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
Detroit has been lighting it up on the field this year and this will be the young QBs biggest test. Sure, he’s faced plenty of tests throughout his college career as well as throughout the regular season, but this is the playoffs. Teams have to take it to the next level and the quarterback will be under the most pressure. Facing the Lions, that could mean mental pressure as well as actual physical pressure.
Detroit might be near the bottom of the league when it comes to sacks, but Washington has given up their fair share with Daniels taking 47. With that being said, taking care of the football will be key which he proved he can do. Despite his sack total, he only threw 9 interceptions and fumbled 3 times on 480 attempts and 69% completions. Sacks are inevitable in the NFL and the Lions bring pressure. As long as Daniels can fight to get back to the line or minimize negative plays, he should be able to keep Detroit on their heels.
Where the Washington Commanders need their young QB to be at his best is his decision-making. Not just passing the football but deciding when to run. Daniels led the team in rushing yards with 891 yards and contributed 6 touchdowns. However, this is not a run defense; you have to be selective against it and pick your spots. The Lions are averaging 98.4 yards per game with their run defense. If the Commanders want to keep Detroit honest, it starts with reading the defense upfront and knowing where to find those designed runs.
If they go out and overplay the run with at either the RB or the QB position it could lead to too many 3rd and long situations. Not only does Daniels have to fight to get back to the line on sacks, but if he does end up running the football he’s gotta keep two things in mind. One is obvious, where he can maximize yards gained. The other is where the sideline is.
If they’re going to run the football, Daniels is going to take plenty of hits. The cold of the playoffs stings a bit more than the cold of the regular season. Not even from an injury standpoint but more from a longevity aspect. It’s going to be a long game against Detroit and unless they get up big, it could come down to whoever has possession last. You don’t want to be going into your two-minute drill fatigued against a team such as the Detroit Lions.
Too many hits or too many passes thrown and Daniels could be going into their final drive worn down. There’s the old cliché “that’s a veteran move” and it usual comes with smart football. Too many young QBs get caught up in the moment and want to make the big play but playoff football is the long game. He’ll need to keep your legs fresh and his arm strength about him in order to be able to control the final drive.
No one said it would be easy, but it sure isn’t impossible for the Washington Commanders. If they want to walk away with the W this weekend, then Jayden Daniels needs to be at his all-time best.
