The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team.
The Washington Commanders are traveling to Minnesota to play the Vikings in Week 14. Here are three keys to getting the win.
1. Survive the blitz.
While the Vikings don't present quite as many defensive challenges as the Denver Broncos did last week, they do have some wrinkles that could give the Commanders problems.
Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores likes to bring more pressure than anyone in the league this year. They blitz opponents 43.8% of the time -- nearly 10 percentage points higher than the next team on the list. They've generated 109 pressures -- the eighth most in the NFL -- and got 31 sacks out of it. Linebacker Eric Wilson has been Flores' primary weapon, as his 62 blitzes are the second most in the league.
The Commanders proved they could handle a strong pass rush last week when they held the Broncos, who have the most sacks in the NFL, to two sacks on Marcus Mariota. Tackle Laremy Tunsil also allowed just two pressures in his 28 matchups with Nik Bonitto last Sunday, while guard Sam Cosmi allowed one pressure on 55 pass blocks, according to Next Gen Stats. However, the Broncos are more content to rush with their defensive front and blitz nearly half as much as the Vikings (26.6%).
Assuming they can get past the Vikings' blitzes, there should be opportunities for Jayden Daniels, who was cleared for contact and will start this weekend to connect with his playmakers. It will require the offensive line to give him time, though, as well as a solid game plan from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.
Check out the top photos of the Washington Commanders as they practice for their Week 14 matchup with the Minnesota Vikings.
2. Forceturnovers.
The Vikings have struggled to hold onto the ball this year. They turn the ball over more than any team in the league, largely because of how their quarterbacks have performed (they've combined for 19 interceptions this year -- the most by any quarterback room this year). The Commanders' defense, meanwhile, has just seven turnovers -- tied with the New York Giants for the second fewest -- and just six interceptions all year.
Despite the consistent preaching from the Commanders' coaching staff about the importance of generating turnovers, the defense has yet to produce them on a consistent basis. They'll try to change that this weekend.
Second-year pro J.J. McCarthy, who is back from being in the concussion protocol, should give them opportunities to do so. He's thrown 10 interceptions in 10 games this season and completed just 54% of his passes. He has the lowest passer rating in the league at 57.9 as well as a 24.1 QBR. The Vikings' offense has similarly struggled as a result of his, Carson Wentz and Max Brosmer's issues and ranks in the bottom five of average yards per game, passing yards and points per game.
The Commanders' defense, while still underperforming this season, has improved over the last two weeks thanks to them using more zone coverage and changes to their personnel in the secondary. A third straight game of progress would show that the unit is beginning to turn the corner for the final stretch.
3. Use all the offensive weapons.
For the first time since Week 2, the Commanders are expected to have all their weapons at receiver on the field at the same time. Regardless of who is playing quarterback, the Commanders need to flex those muscles and use all their options to break their losing streak.
Terry McLaurin, who missed over half the season with a quad injury, reminded fans what kind of impact he could have last weekend, when he caught seven passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. Despite it being his first game back in a month, he was targeted 14 times and played 46 snaps -- much higher than what was planned for his return.
The Commanders are also anticipating Noah Brown, who hasn't played since Week 2, to be activated off IR and return to the active roster this week. Brown was one of the team's best deep threats last season, but one of his greatest skills was drawing defensive pass interference calls, ranking second in the category.
Washington's complete passing arsenal being on the field means the Vikings' defense cannot overcommit to stopping the run. The Commanders are still a top five offense on the ground but have struggled at times to stay consistent because defenses have been able to sell out to contain it. McLaurin, Samuel and Brown on the field means there could be more room for Chris Rodriguez, Jeremy McNichols and Jacory Croskey-Merritt to create explosive plays.
