The Washington Commanders are about to discover whether their opening-day victory was real.
Washington travels to the Detroit Lions on Sunday as slight underdogs, which is notable only because the latter hasn't been favored in two years. Two years – that's essentially the pandemic. Yet, linesmakers decided Washington's fortunate 28-22 victory over Jacksonville on Sept. 11 wasn't enough for them to be favored over another lackluster franchise that lost its opener 38-35 to Philadelphia.
So, are the Commanders for real or just lucky to beat a Jags team that blew many chances?
It may come down to the lines. Detroit will bring steady pressure to Washington quarterback Carson Wentz, who in Indianapolis last season was the NFL's most blitzed passer. The Commanders offensive line bent, but didn't break against a solid Jags line.
Detroit's pass rush is better, though. Can the offensive line keep Wentz clean? Last week, Philadelphia passer Jalen Hurts used his mobility to hurt Detroit. Wentz has the mobility of a statue and too often holds the ball past five-Mississippi. Yet, Wentz also loves quick throws to tight ends and Washington's unit is finally healthy and four deep.
Conversely, Washington's line is everything to its defense. Either it gets home versus Lions quarterback Jared Goff or the back seven is naked and afraid. That the Lions' offensive line saw three starters limited by injuries during midweek practices makes the Commanders' pass rush even more vital.
It's a big game for Detroit and it isn't for Washington. The Lions are a non-division foe and not likely to earn a tie-breaker over Washington for an NFC Wild Card slot. Yet, a 2-0 start for Washington before facing NFC East opponents Philadelphia and Dallas, respectively, gives the Commanders momentum and a little breathing room. For once, Washington wouldn't be in an early hole in the standings come October.
Wentz needs to show that his two interceptions versus Jacksonville were an aberration. While also throwing four touchdowns, multiple turnovers would make him just a better version of "Sexy Rexy" Grossman. Washington can live with fewer touchdown passes, but can't survive multiple interceptions. If Wentz hadn't rallied Washington past Jacksonville, the postgame narrative would paint him as a bust.
Offensive coordinator Scott Turner needs to show the creative and effective opening game plan can be fine-tuned now that opponents know running back Antonio Gibson can get lost in space more than Will Robinson. Does Turner shift backfield passes to J.D. McKissic, or simply look downfield more to his plethora of receivers?
Defensive coordinator Jack Del Rio also needs to show counter punching so lacking in his two-plus season tenure. Jacksonville figured out Washington's defense and was unstoppable in the second half. The Commanders couldn't counter for a while and lost the lead. Washington's defense has always been poor on opposing opening drives and after halftime. That's coaching.
Washington still has many questions in the early season, but beating Detroit would quiet some of them. Then again, a loss ends a one-week honeymoon and rekindles many offseason worries.
Rick Snider has covered Washington sports since 1978. Follow him on Twitter: @Snide_Remarks.
