5 Commanders to watch in Week 4 vs. Cowboys
The Washington Commanders need a win in Week 4 over the Dallas Cowboys to avoid falling to 1-3 on the season. Another loss would already have fans dreaming of the 2023 NFL draft.
There are no must-win games in Week 4. However, this is close to a must-win game as any you’ll find on the first Sunday in October. Washington’s offense, which had mostly been a bright spot in the first two weeks, went into halftime down 24-0 to the Eagles. This was one week after the Commanders trailed Detroit, 22-0 at halftime. The biggest difference between the two games is Washington’s offense finally woke up in the second half of Week 2. That didn’t happen last week.
For the Commanders to win, specific players need big games. Here are five Washington players to watch in Week 4 against the Cowboys.
QB Carson Wentz
Washington Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz (11) attempts a pass as Philadelphia Eagles defensive end Josh Sweat (94). Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports
Carson Wentz was really good in Washington’s first two games. Were there some red flags? Sure, but offensive coordinator Scott Turner did a good job helping Wentz get rid of the football sooner to his playmakers. After being sacked nine times last week, Wentz needs more help, and Turner needs to be better.
The Cowboys lead the NFL in sacks. If Wentz has another performance like last week, can Washington continue to play him in Week 5 and beyond? That would be a legitimate question. However, if Wentz bounces back, avoids sacks and makes smart decisions with the football, the Commanders can defeat the Cowboys.
RB Antonio Gibson
Washington Commanders running back Antonio Gibson (24). (AP Photo/Daniel Kucin Jr.)
Antonio Gibson ran the ball well against the Eagles last week. The only problem was he didn’t get a lot of opportunities. The running game is the best way to slow down a fierce pass rush. The Commanders need Gibson to churn out some tough yards on early downs against the Cowboys. Washington cannot live in 3rd and long vs. Dallas, and Gibson is key in avoiding such predicaments.
This doesn’t mean running Gibson into a wall on early downs just to say you have balance, but get creative with Gibson. Use him in the passing game, too.
C Nick Martin
Nick Martin (66) warms up before the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Shanna Lockwood-USA TODAY Sports
The Commanders recently signed veteran center Nick Martin after placing Chase Roullier on injured reserve. Former Washington tight end and team analyst Logan Paulsen recently compared Martin to Roullier, noting a similar lack of athleticism, but both were smart players who were technically sound. Martin could be in line for his start for Washington as Wes Schweitzer is in concussion protocol.
Wentz mentioned this week that he worked with Martin back at the Senior Bowl in 2016. That is a lifetime ago, but the two have at least some familiarity with one another.
Martin’s older brother, Zack, plays for the Cowboys and is one of the NFL’s best offensive linemen.
DE Montez Sweat
Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat (90) stands on the field during warmups prior to the Commanders’ game against the Carolina Panthers at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
It’s been a long week for Washington Commanders defensive end Montez Sweat. First, Sweat didn’t record a pressure against the Eagles, something head coach Ron Rivera isn’t worried about, noting all the recent double teams Sweat has faced.
Sweat is not making excuses. If Sweat lines up against rookie offensive tackle Tyler Smith it could be an exciting matchup and one where the Commanders hope to find an advantage. Washington badly needs some game-changing plays from its defense and Sweat is one of the most capable of providing those types of plays.
CB Benjamin St-Juste
Washington Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste (25) breaks up a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6). (AP Photo/Nick Wass)
Benjamin St-Juste had an excellent game last week. Whether he was covering DeVonta Smith or A.J. Brown, St-Juste delivered. Was he perfect? No, but he was mostly terrific. The difference for St-Juste was that he was back to playing outside due to William Jackson III’s injury.
Jackson is expected back this week, so it’s likely St-Juste kicks back inside. But is that the right move? St-Juste looked like a future star on the outside last week, whereas Kendall Fuller struggled. Why not move Fuller back inside? He’s already struggling outside, and he was once excellent in the slot. Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio needs to find a way to limit Fuller’s exposure.
