The Washington Commanders this season bear some resemblance to last year’s Detroit Lions. Both teams began with moderate expectations, aiming only for improvements over their previous campaigns.
When they made the playoffs, their supporters hoped for a single victory to label the season as a success.
The Lions managed two playoff wins and were just a half away from their first Super Bowl appearance. Now, Detroit finds itself in a position to prevent Washington from achieving a similar postseason surge.
The exceptional play of Jayden Daniels, their first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, has driven Washington’s rise under its new leadership.
Daniels, widely regarded as the front-runner for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, has orchestrated four game-winning drives and led the Commanders to an impressive 12-5 record.
The Importance of Containing Daniels
For Detroit to avoid being upset, the Lions must disrupt Daniels’ rhythm, which has been instrumental in his team’s success.
His ability to perform under pressure and make plays has turned him into a formidable challenge for defenses. Limiting his impact is essential for Detroit to secure a spot in the NFC Championship game.
Addressing Offensive Line Challenges
Daniels needs ample time in the pocket to perform at his best, but Washington’s offensive line has struggled. They rank seventh in sacks allowed (50) this season and have the 11th-lowest pass-blocking grade (63.4), as reported by PFF.
Right guard Sam Cosmi, despite being the highest-rated lineman on the team, has committed the most penalties (six) among starters.
On the other hand, rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman has struggled the most, with a PFF grade of 58.7, conceding nine sacks and 35 pressures this season.
The Lions’ defensive line must capitalize on these vulnerabilities, especially targeting Coleman and left guard Nick Allegretti, who are the weakest links.
While blitzing is an option, aligning Za’Darius Smith against Coleman could prove more effective. To add to Coleman’s woes, he was recently added to the injury report with a shoulder issue, though he practiced fully on Wednesday.
Strategizing Against the Blitz
Detroit’s defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, has relied heavily on blitzes, with the Lions blitzing on 34.6% of plays this season—the second-highest rate in the league behind the Minnesota Vikings.
This aggressive approach has been a cornerstone of their success, but it may require adjustments against Daniels. According to PFF, Daniels holds the ball for an average of 2.98 seconds—one of the longest among playoff quarterbacks.
Surprisingly, he has excelled when blitzed, throwing 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions in such situations, compared to 15 touchdowns and six interceptions when not blitzed. Therefore, an all-out blitz might backfire.
Instead, the Lions must focus on containment rather than relentless pressure. Keeping Daniels inside the pocket will be key, as his mobility poses a serious threat.
Glenn emphasized the need for discipline, stating, “You have to be strategic in your rush, send additional players, and close off as many lanes as possible.”
Managing a Mobile Quarterback
Dealing with a quarterback like Daniels, who can create plays with his legs, presents numerous challenges. From designed runs and read-options to scrambles and extended plays, there’s a lot to defend.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell pointed out that no team has mastered the art of shutting down mobile quarterbacks.
Detroit’s defense has allowed 6.2 yards per carry against quarterbacks this season, ranking as the second-worst in the league. However, their performances against mobile quarterbacks have not been entirely poor.
Aside from a difficult outing against MVP candidate Josh Allen, the defense has held up relatively well. Early success by Anthony Richardson in a game against the Colts faded as Indianapolis moved away from utilizing his legs.
Daniels will inevitably gain yards on the ground, but the Lions’ focus should be on limiting the damage. If he is allowed to continually pick up easy yards, Detroit’s defense will face a tough night.
Sacks or the ability to close escape lanes will force Daniels to rely solely on his arm, giving the Lions an advantage.
Detroit’s offense can also play a role in neutralizing Daniels. If the Lions establish a lead, Washington will have to abandon its running game and prioritize quick scoring to keep pace.
This change would limit Daniels’ opportunities to use his legs, forcing the Commanders into a one-dimensional offense. Under such circumstances, Detroit can unleash its blitzes and apply pressure on Daniels in the pocket.
