Hogs Haven
Commanders.com
Stay on the field.
After starting the season 0-2, the Chiefs are beginning to look like the juggernauts they’ve been for the past decade, particularly on offense. They’re a top 10 scoring unit heading into the Monday night matchup, and they’re preparing to play a Commanders defense that is performing near the bottom of several categories.
Although the Commanders have promised changes on defense that will improve the unit’s performance, perhaps the best way to beat the Chiefs’ offense is to keep them off the field. That’s where Marcus Mariota and the Commanders’ offense comes into play, although maintaining drives has not been their strength through seven games like it was last year. They currently rank 26th in time of possession compared to ninth at this point in the 2024 season.
Part of the solution could come from getting Terry McLaurin and Deebo Samuel back on the field together — something that hasn’t happened since Week 3. The absence of one, or as was the case last week, both players, has resulted in teams overcommitting to the run game, preventing the Commanders from establishing consistent drives. For example, running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt has faced eight defenders in the box on 31.5% of his snaps — ninth highest in the league.
The hope is that McLaurin and Samuel’s presence will help alleviate some of that pressure, and since the Chiefs are around the league average at defending the run, there’s a chance the Commanders can exploit that weakness to keep Mahomes on the sideline.
Riggo’s Rag
His ability to win A-to-B — that quick linear burst from his stance to engagement — is where he’s special. When Conerly gets his hands inside and plays with proper leverage, he can displace defenders and create running lanes that give the offense some much-needed rhythm.
A product of Oregon, Conerly’s skill set will be vital against a Kansas City Chiefs defense that thrives on chaos.
Steve Spagnuolo’s group loves to disguise pressure and bring heat from multiple directions. Conerly can expect to see overloaded looks, stunts, and blitzes off his outside shoulder.
The rookie will see plenty of Chris Jones, who the Chiefs will bump outside — a player with the strength and veteran savvy to exploit any misstep —and George Karlaftis, a relentless sack artist who wins with power and leverage, very similar to old Commanders standout Ryan Kerrigan.
It’s a baptism by fire for the young tackle, but it’s also a significant opportunity to showcase why Washington spent first-round capital on him.
Chiefs.com
Ertz has remained a constant in the Commanders’ passing game this year amidst Washington’s injuries, hauling in 23 catches for 229 yards and four touchdowns. All four of those scores have taken place in the red zone, and...
