5 Commanders to watch in Week 2 vs. Lions
The Washington Commanders look to get off to a 2-0 start on Sunday for the first time since 2011 with a trip to Ford Field to face the Detroit Lions.
In Week 1, the Commanders came from behind to defeat the Jacksonville Jaguars, 28-22. Meanwhile, the Lions fell to the Philadelphia Eagles, 38-35.
So, if we go by the scores from last week, we could be in store for a high-scoring contest. The over/under for the game is currently at 48.5.
Here are five Commanders to watch vs. Lions in Week 2.
Quarterback Carson Wentz
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) looks to pass during the second half at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Scott Taetsch-USA TODAY Sports
What does Washington quarterback Carson Wentz do for an encore? In his Washington debut, Wentz completed 27 of 41 passes for 313 yards, with four touchdowns and two interceptions. Wentz’s two interceptions almost cost the Commanders, but his excellent fourth quarter helped lead Washington to a Week 1 win.
The Commanders had a good game plan last week. The creativity was outstanding, and offensive coordinator Scott Turner schemed up easy throws for Wentz early to get him into a rhythm before leaning on him later. It will be interesting to see if Turner is aggressive early vs. the Lions. And can Wentz avoid the big mistake?
Tight end Armani Rogers
Washington Commanders tight end Armani Rogers (88). (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Armani Rogers made the most of his NFL debut. He only played four snaps and had a big 23-yard catch-and-run to help set up Washington’s first touchdown. Will Turner find creative ways to get Rogers more involved in Week 2? He should. Logan Thomas is back and made an immediate impact. John Bates is also back and Rogers’ fellow rookie, Cole Turner, is set to make his NFL debut this week.
Linebacker Jamin Davis
Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis (52). (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
The Commanders wanted to see a big step up in 2022 from second-year linebacker Jamin Davis. Davis was repeatedly praised in training camp and the preseason by his coaches and teammates. In Week 1, Davis made a couple of glaring mistakes, and when defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio met with the media Thursday, he made it clear that Davis needs to play better.
At some point, Washington needs Davis to play like a first-round pick. That would go a long way in improving the Commanders’ defense.
Cornerback Kendall Fuller
Washington Commanders safety Bobby McCain (20) celebrates after cornerback Kendall Fuller (29). (Shaban Athuman/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)
Make no mistake, Washington cornerback Kendall Fuller was not good in Week 1. Head coach Ron Rivera said he was pleased with his cornerbacks last week, but perhaps he was meaning Benjamin St-Juste. St-Juste had some good moments, whereas Fuller struggled. In addition to getting beaten on multiple occasions, Fuller also committed two penalties.
Fuller had a similar start to last season before turning things around for a strong finish. The Commanders hope that he follows a similar trajectory this year but sooner. The Lions have a good passing attack and will challenge Fuller.
Safety Darrick Forrest
Washington Commanders safety Darrick Forrest (22). (Shaban Athuman/Richmond Times-Dispatch via AP)
Darrick Forrest was arguably Washington’s top defensive player last week. Pro Football Focus had him as the NFL’s highest-graded safety in Week 1. It was his first NFL start. What can Forrest do for an encore?
It’s unknown if starter Kam Curl will play Sunday. Even if he does, Forrest has shown he needs to be on the field. He’s an impact player who was as effective playing deep as he was in the box. Forrest will be fascinating to watch over the next several weeks to see if he can follow up on his outstanding debut.
