The Washington Commanders have an important game in front of them in Week 6. The team is gearing up to face the undefeated San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football.
You hate to call anything a must-win so early in the season, but it's easy to feel that way. The Commanders had a perfect opportunity to pick up a win last weekend, but instead, the game ended in a tie. Now, the Commanders enter Week 6 with just one win, so picking up another loss here would just bury the team.
The 49ers have been playing like the best team in football, so this will not be an easy task. Today, let’s go over what the Commanders need to do to pull off an upset victory.
Get pressure on Brock Purdy
Brock Purdy went through the first four games of the season without being sacked once. The 49ers’
offensive line has been fantastic, and the team’s offense relies on Purdy having time to make accurate throws and let plays develop.
If the Commanders can disrupt that rhythm and make Purdy get rid of the ball quickly, they have a good chance. We also know the Commanders’ secondary isn’t great, so if you don’t get pressure on Purdy, there WILL be receivers running open.
Win the turnover battle
If the Commanders have one decisive advantage over the 49ers, it’s the turnover margin. The Commanders are +5 on the season, which is actually one of the best marks in the league. The 49ers are at +2, but they really don’t turn the ball over much.
Purdy has thrown only two interceptions this season, and Christian McCaffrey hasn’t fumbled. If the Commanders can force a turnover or two, they’ll put the 49ers in an uncomfortable, unfamiliar situation.
Keep using Jayden’s legs
JaydenDaniels’ last two games were both solid rushing performances. The quarterback ran for over 100 yards last week, and it would’ve led to a win if the defense didn’t give up two long touchdown drives to Jameis Winston.
The 49ers have a stout defense. I have a feeling the halfback dives with Bill Croskey-Merritt won’t be effective. As a result, Daniels needs to have some designed runs and extend plays with his legs. When Daniels runs for big chunks, it makes the offense look entirely new.
Protect well
The Commanders’ offensive line was not good last weekend. The Giants racked up five sacks, six tackles for loss, and seven quarterback hits. It could have been way worse, too, but Daniels scrambled away trouble several times.
The 49ers are the type of team that can make an offensive line pay. The 49ers already have 11 team sacks, with Keion White leading with three. If Daniels is on the ground a lot in this one, it’s very hard to see a good outcome for the Commanders.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: 4 keys to a Commanders' victory over 49ers in Week 6
