Sam Howell needs to prevent mistakes for Washington to have a shot, even though the Commanders seem to be in over their heads against the Dolphins.
In their matchup with the Miami Dolphins, who are atop the AFC East, in Week 13, the Washington Commanders aim to return to winning ways. It looks like a really challenging task.
After winning 24-16 against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 6, the Commanders’ record improved to 3-3. The Commanders appeared capable of building a winning season and contending for a postseason position in the wide-open NFC at that time in the season.
The Commanders possessed one of the most skilled and potent defensive lines, which is one of the reasons behind that. When it came to pass-rushing talent, the Commanders did not have to fall behind most of their rivals thanks to players like DaRon Payne, Montez Sweat, Chase Young, and Jonathan Allen.
Nevertheless, the Commanders failed to consistently execute their fierce pass rush, and instead of improving on their 3-3 start, they have already lost five of their last six games. The Commanders chose to move to one of the top defensive linemen during that downturn, trading Young to the 49ers and Sweat to the Chicago Bears.
Commanders struggle following a strong beginning
They therefore enter their Week 13 home game against the fierce Miami Dolphins with a 4-8 record. The Commanders will need quarterback Sam Howell and his wide receiving group to try to stay up with Tua Tagovailoa and dynamic Tyreek Hill, rather than relying just on their defense.
It seems like a significant task for the team led by head coach Ron Rivera. It’s hard to picture the Commanders competing with the Dolphins for sixty minutes, even if they play their finest game. They might challenge Miami in the opening half of the match, but these two teams are very different in terms of talent.
The Dolphins are in the stronger position.
Commanders quarterback Sam Howell has to pass for two touchdowns while avoiding interceptions.
Given howell has been under pressure for the most of the season, this seems like a very challenging request.The running game has not been able to offer much of a counterbalance to the Washington passing game, thus the quarterback has been pushed to carry the offense for the majority of the season.
Opponents have had an opportunity to defend Howell since he has been the focal point of the Washington offense. With 18 touchdowns, 13 interceptions, and 3,339 yards gained by 323 of 486 passes completed by Howell.
Howell has been effective, but he gives the ball away far too frequently. He has fumbled the ball four times, two of which were lost fumbles, in addition to the interceptions.
In this game, he has a chance to contribute because the Dolphins’ pass defense may be weak. They are ranked eleventh overall in that regard, but the defense may give up big plays if they are unable to regularly get to the quarterback.
If Howell is going to be effective and stay away from critical errors, the offensive line must put forth a really strong effort.
McLaurin is among the finest in the league at running accurate patterns and setting up defensive backs. He has the potential to be a star player for Washington as long as he stays healthy.
With 60 receptions for 694 yards and two scores, he is the team’s top receiver. Nor does McLaurin have to be an army of one. Jahan Dotson and Curtis Samuel offer him a lot of help.
Dotson has caught 42-435-4 passes, while Samuel has grabbed 47 receptions for 443 yards and two touchdowns. Tight end Logan Thomas, who has caught 45 receptions for 424 yards and three touchdowns, might be the Commanders’ x-factor.
Thomas may have more opportunities if the Dolphins focus on slowing down McLaurin and Samuel.
Defense needs to put pressure on Tagovailoa
Try as they might, the Commanders cannot win a game by outscoring the Dolphins. Miami just has too many weapons, and a strong pass rush is the only way to contain their onslaught.
The squad still possesses Allen with 5.5 sacks and underrated Casey Toohill with 5 QB traps, even though Sweat and Young are gone. The Commanders could intrigue the home crowd if those two can exert a lot of pressure on Tagovailoa.
