The Commanders NEED a win in Week 5, and these matchups could decide their NFC East showdown against the Giants.
Washington is 1-3, Jayden Daniels looks set to return, and the Commanders desperately need to get their season back on track.
Here are my KEY MATCHUPS on both sides of the ball.
OFFENSE:
🏈 Brandon Coleman vs. Abdul Carter — Coleman has a HUGE responsibility protecting JD5's blind side against New York's talented young pass rusher.
🏈 Lucas Patrick vs. DJ Reader — If Patrick starts at center, he'll need to hold his own against a physical presence in the middle of the Giants' defensive line.
🏈 Commanders WRs vs. Giants CBs — Even with injuries impacting the position, Washington's receivers NEED to create separation and make plays for Daniels.
DEFENSE:
🏈 Rasul Douglas/Amik Robertson vs. Malik Nabers — Washington's secondary cannot allow the Giants' top receiving threat to take over the game.
🏈 Sonny Styles vs. Cam Skattebo — Styles will be critical to slowing down New York's physical rushing attack.
🏈 Nick Cross vs. Isaiah Likely — Cross has to help limit one of the Giants' dangerous weapons in the passing game.
The Commanders have struggled with consistency on both sides of the ball, and they can't afford another divisional loss.
If Washington wants to turn this season around, these are six battles it MUST win.
Which matchup will have the BIGGEST impact on Week 5?