The Washington Commanders will host the Dallas Cowboys this Sunday, fresh off a 26-18 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles. Despite being on a two-game losing streak, Washington can rebound with a few simple adjustments from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Thursday’s loss to the Eagles may have created a blueprint for defenses to play the Commanders moving forward. The team’s offense has struggled in the last four games. Jayden Daniels struggled to spread the wealth to his receiving core, which hasn’t been a glaring issue this season. Terry McLaurin is 7th in receiving yards with a total of 721 yards, and before Thursday’s game, he was third.
McLaurin wasn’t targeted until late in the third quarter and didn’t reel in his first catch until the ten-minute mark in the fourth quarter. Outside of Austin Ekeler, who finished the game with 89 receiving yards, the primary receiving core struggled to get open.
Zach Ertz pulled in six receptions but was limited to 47 yards, and the rest of the receiving core only had between one and two receptions. This was a rare occasion, and Philadelphia’s defense deserves some credit.
Commanders Can Make Simple Adjustments to Stabilize Offense
Yet, there’s no need to panic in the Nation’s Capital, and Kingsbury can make a few adjustments moving forward. To help the Commanders set the tone for the rest of the season, they can set up more receiver screens. In addition to screens, Washington needs to be creative with giving Daniels more time to throw and provide balance for the offensive line.
The rookie quarterback is 28th in the league in time to throw (TT) at 2.71 seconds per snap. For the most part, Kingsbury continues to unfold the offense while keeping it simple.
Needless to say, the offense needs to find ways to get McLaurin involved in the game earlier, which will allow other receivers to get involved. He is the clear leader of the team and the best receiver as well.
Commanders balanced passing attack on offense
Washington’s passing attack has looked like a top tier attack in some games and in others not so much. Right now, McLaurin is the only receiver that has more than three touchdowns on the season. Currently, the Burgundy and Gold is fourth in the league with points per game (28), but they struggle to get other receivers to score.
Out of the receiving core, Washington needs Noah Brown, Olamide Zaccheaus, Dyami Brown, or Luke McCaffrey to step up. None of the aforementioned have reeled in more than one touchdown. The amount of touchdowns isn’t a deal breaker but the team becomes one dimensional when they enter their opponents territory with a chance to score. Force-feeding Ertz, McLaurin, or the halfbacks isn’t the answer.
Kingsburgy can help create a balance scoring attack by relying more on the screen and playing to the offensive lines strengths. Daniels needs to get the ball out fast, and bubble routes, slants, curls, and comeback routes could help.
Critics continue to mention how Washington’s strength of schedule is questionable. Needless to say, the team overcame Daniels injury, loss to top ranked defenses (Steelers, Ravens), and their offensive line is playing through injury. The O-Line is young and continuing to learn on the go. Right tackle Andrew Wylie, Brandon Coleman, and Tyler Biadasz have all been battling through injury this season.
.@BrianR_4 is the 4th RB in franchise history to hit 2,000 rushing yards and 500 receiving yards in his first three seasons
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 16, 2024
The Commanders are third in rushing yards (1,628) and 21st in passing attempts. In order to help the O-Line, the team needs to increase their pass attempts to create rhythm and to allow Daniels to drop back.
Washington vs. Dallas
Heading to Dallas this Sunday, it’s unlikely that Washington will struggle in the passing game. Nevertheless, America’s team will be ready for there division rivals despite their underwhelming defense.
The Commanders need to use this week to get Noah Brown, Zaccheaus, Brown, McCaffrey involved into the offense. McLaurin and Eartz are veterans who can impact the game and get their receptions/yards.
Main Image: Eric Hartline – USA Today Sports
