3 problems the Commanders must address URGENTLY before Week 4 at the Cardinals Revealed….
In Week 4, the Washington Commanders will head to Arizona to face the Cardinals. They aim to build on their two-game winning streak against a team that has shown promise over the past three weeks but currently sits at 1-2 in the NFC West.
The two teams share some similarities. Both have faced challenges in recent seasons but appear to be improving. Each squad features a dynamic young quarterback, a powerful running back, and a standout wide receiver.
The Cardinals appear to have an advantage on defense. While not elite, they’ve improved since allowing over 30 points in their Week 1 loss to the Buffalo Bills, holding the Los Angeles Rams and Detroit Lions—both strong offenses—to a combined total of 30 points in the last two weeks.
Meanwhile, Washington’s offense has scored on every possession (excluding kneel-downs) for the past two weeks, with significant potential for growth. Although Jayden Daniels delivered a standout performance against the Cincinnati Bengals, he hasn’t consistently identified open receivers. Aside from Terry McLaurin, other wideouts haven’t been sufficiently involved, and the interior running game has been inconsistent. These areas should improve with experience.
On the other hand, the defense is facing challenges. Washington’s impressive offensive performance recently has masked several defensive issues that Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt, Jr. need to address.
The most pressing issues for the Commanders are their inconsistent pass rush and subpar play in the secondary, particularly from the cornerbacks. Addressing these weaknesses is crucial for securing a 3-1 record in the desert. However, there are other key factors to consider that might not be as obvious.
At first, I thought it might be important to get Tress Way a comfortable recliner since his punting duties seemed unnecessary lately. But then I remembered he’s also the holder for Austin Seibert, who hasn’t missed a kick yet, so it’s best not to disrupt that rhythm. The Pro Bowler can just take a seat on the bench like everyone else.
Here are three additional points that could be significant in the matchup against the Cardinals.
Problems the Commanders must address entering Week 4 at the Cardinals
Commanders’ interior defense must stop James Conner
The Washington Commanders will have their hands full contending with rookie wide receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. But Joe Whitt Jr.’s defense has seen elite wideout this year. They haven’t stopped them, but they have at least seen them. They have not seen a power runner as good as James Conner.
Given how average running teams like the New York Giants and Cincinnati Bengals have exploited the middle of Washington’s defense in recent weeks, offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will have a straightforward game plan.
His focus will be on the run game. The Cardinals frequently use two or three-tight-end sets to establish James Conner, who rushed for over 1,000 yards last season, helping the team average five yards per carry—ranking second in the NFL.
Once they establish the run, quarterback Kyler Murray excels with play-action passes, as seen in their Week 2 blowout against the Rams. However, they haven’t been as successful in their two losses.
The perceived strength of the Commanders’ defense—anchored by Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen in the middle, with Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu behind them—must rise to the occasion. If they perform well, it could disrupt Arizona’s entire offensive flow.
However, if they fall short, Washington’s struggles with pass rush and secondary play will likely lead to another challenging day for the defense.
