A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders
Commanders links
Articles
Washington Post (paywall)
One key to fixing the Commanders’ offense? Run the ball better.
The Commanders need to sustain drives to unlock their up-tempo scheme. That requires a more productive running game.
Film and advanced stats show a steep decline in production from the running backs: less yards per carry, less consistent success, fewer explosive plays and fewer third-down conversions. In the Commanders’ loss Sunday, their third in a row, the Dallas Cowboys countered a regular third-down pass-protection scheme — chip the edge rushers out of empty formation — by moving edge rusher Micah Parsons inside.
In the past three weeks, Commanders running backs have run the ball 57 times, and they have had more negative runs (seven) than runs of 10 or more yards (three) — which is one reason the offense has gotten behind the sticks so often.
But it will be difficult to get right Sunday against the visiting Tennessee Titans. The Commanders will probably be without Austin Ekeler (concussion) and also could be without fellow running back Brian Robinson Jr. (ankle), though he expressed optimism Wednesday that he’ll be ready. Plus, the Titans have an especially good run defense led by two hulking tackles: two-time Pro Bowl pick Jeffery Simmons (6-foot-4, 305 pounds) and rookie T’Vondre Sweat (6-4, 366).
If the Commanders again struggle to run the ball, that could lead to other breakdowns. They need to sustain drives to fully unlock their up-tempo scheme, but if they can’t stay ahead of the chains and convert first downs, the offense will probably keep floundering — which leads to greater questions about its scheme, execution, talent and health.
Commanders Wire
Commanders’ Dan Quinn on coaching through struggles
Having lost three consecutive games, there could be a multitude of things a coaching staff observes needing lots of work. Yet, you can’t address each one of those concepts within a practice.
“And so, you don’t pick 15 different things to work in one week of practice. ‘This is something you want to improve on, let’s put the work in to do that.’ So, after three losses, it’s challenging. It’s the most challenged we’ve been so far. It’s confusing, frustrating, all of those things. That’s also part of competing and knowing how to handle those emotions and dig in on the things that you need to dig in on and that’s what we intend to do.”
Sports Illustrated
Jayden Daniels talked about the pressure, or non-pressure, for the Washington Commanders to snap their losing streak
For Daniels, is there any pressure to end their losing streak? How important is it for them to secure a victory this weekend?
“I mean, you just go out there and play football. Execute and you let the cards fall where they fall. It’s just how we prepare and go out there, have fun and play loose and we’ll live with the outcomes,” Daniels said.
At 7-5, there is plenty to be learned about the club. Are they a true playoff team this season? They’ll determine that in the latter half of their schedule and how they respond to recent adversity will prove exactly that.
Commanders.com
Commanders vs. Titans preview | A chance to build some momentum
