Commanders have a big problem against the Giants in Week 5

The Washington Commanders (1-3) host the New York Giants (3-1) on Sunday in Week 5 action at Northwest Stadium. It’s already Washington’s third NFC East game, and if there’s a must-win game this early in the season, it’s this one for the Commanders. Another loss would drop Washington to 1-4, with a

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What is the story about?

The Washington Commanders (1-3) host the New York Giants (3-1) on Sunday in Week 5 action at Northwest Stadium. It’s already Washington’s third NFC East game, and if there’s a must-win game this early in the season, it’s this one for the Commanders.

Another loss would drop Washington to 1-4, with a Monday night trip across the country to face the undefeated 49ers next week. A loss to the Giants could leave the Commanders at 1-5 heading into the bye week. Another loss would also have Washington sitting at 0-3 in the NFC East.

The good news is quarterback Jayden Daniels will be back on Sunday. The Giants, who are surprisingly sitting atop the NFC East right now, are dealing with some injuries of their own, namely quarterback Jaxson Dart and linebacker

Brian Burns. But backup quarterback Jameis Winston is doing enough, with a solid running game and good defense, to keep the Giants at 3-1.

Another reason for New York’s early success is wide receiver Malik Nabers. After tearing his ACL last September, some questioned whether Nabers would be ready for Week 1. Not only did Nabers return, but he did so with a bang. Nabers caught six passes for 69 in New York’s Week 1 win over Dallas. He’s coming off his best game, catching six passes for 112 yards and a touchdown in last week’s win over the Arizona Cardinals.

Next up is Washington’s pass defense, which is ranked No. 25 in the NFL. In three career games against the Commanders, Nabers has caught 24 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown.

The weather could play a role in Sunday’s game. It’s expected to be windy and rainy at Northwest Stadium on Sunday.

The Commanders could look to double Nabers, but the Giants now have Isaiah Likely, so they have another weapon who can make defenses pay. The key is Winston. If Washington can keep the pressure on the veteran backup, it could go a long way in helping the Commanders hand the Giants their second defeat of the season.

Regardless, stopping Nabers is Washington’s No. 1 defensive priority behind pressure and turnovers.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders have a big problem against the Giants in Week 5