4 keys to victory for Commanders vs. Titans in Week 5
Can the Washington Commanders snap a three-game losing streak Sunday against the Tennessee Titans?
Washington has struggled offensively during its three-game losing streak. Quarterback Carson Wentz has just 381 total passing yards over the last two games after passing for 650 yards in his first two games. The offensive line has struggled to protect Wentz and now faces multiple injuries.
Wentz hasn’t helped himself, either. In last week’s loss to the Cowboys, Wentz had two intentional grounding penalties, killing two of Washington’s drives.
Explosive plays have continued to plague the Commanders’ defense, although the unit has been much better overall the past two weeks.
What does Washington need to do to win?
Here are four keys to victory vs. the Titans in Week 5.
Stack the box vs. Derrick Henry
The end zone reflects in the visor of Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry (22). Mandatory Credit: Marc Lebryk-USA TODAY Sports
We said Washington’s defense was playing better, and that’s true for the run defense. In the first two weeks against Jacksonville and Detroit, the Commanders were gashed for 314 rushing yards, and those teams averaged over seven yards per attempt. In the last two games, the Eagles and Cowboys combined for 132 yards and averaged just over two yards per attempt.
Now, the Commanders face Derrick Henry.
Henry got off to a bit of a slow start, by his standards, but has had his best two games in each of the past two weeks. Tennessee has won both games. For Washington to defeat Tennessee, the Commanders need to commit an extra person in the box. That leaves your struggling cornerbacks vulnerable in coverage. It’s a risk Washington must take.
Keep Tannehill in the pocket
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill (17). Mandatory Credit: Jeffrey Becker-USA TODAY Sports
Ryan Tannehill turned his career around with the Titans. Unfortunately for him, the team grew impatient after his struggles last season and the Titans selected Malik Willis in the 2022 NFL draft. However, Tannehill is still under center and capable of big performances. One area where Tannehill excels is outside the pocket. He likes to throw on the move and can pick up first downs with his legs.
Washington needs to keep Tannehill in the pocket and make him uncomfortable. The Commanders have been getting excellent pressure from inside with Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne. If Washington can keep Tannehill from escaping the pocket and Allen and Payne apply interior pressure, it could be a good day for the Commanders.
Stick with the run
Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson (24) runs with the ball against the Philadelphia Eagles during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 25, 2022, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
The Commanders ran the ball well against the Cowboys last week. The injuries along the offensive line are a concern, as right tackle Sam Cosmi will be missed as a run blocker. But if you want to help a struggling offensive line, you need to run the football. We know head coach Ron Rivera wants to run the ball. Brian Robinson Jr. is back, but I would expect a minor role for him Sunday.
Antonio Gibson ran well last week but didn’t receive enough opportunities. Offensive coordinator Scott Turner must commit to the run game and mix in some J.D. McKissic with Gibson and Robinson.
The Titans are No. 19 against the run, so there will be opportunities.
Create 1-on-1 opportunities for Terry McLaurin
Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin runs against Detroit Lions cornerback Jeff Okudah. Nfl Washington Commanders At Detroit Lions
Terry McLaurin is coming off his worst game of the season in which he caught two passes for 15 yards. We aren’t blaming McLaurin. The Cowboys got away with two pass-interference penalties against No. 17, including one that would’ve resulted in a potential touchdown. Also, the quarterback play wasn’t good, and Washington’s offensive line issues made it even more difficult for Wentz to drop back more than three steps.
It’s up to Turner to design touches for McLaurin. Whether it be in the screen game, slants, etc., the Commanders must find ways to get the ball in McLaurin’s hands, especially with Jahan Dotson out.
