Who would have thought that the Washington Commanders would have been sitting atop the NFC East at 3-1 through four weeks with hope increasing exponentially regarding their long-term future at this early stage? Not many that's for sure.
The Commanders have a shot to win this weekend. How strange it is to consider the looming prospect that Washington will begin to do what good teams accomplish - triumph with professionalism and purpose in equal measure.
Could this become the Commanders' new reality? Could they have turned a legitimate corner and become one of those franchises that consistently win almost all of the games that they are supposed to?
If the Commanders are who they have been portraying recently, it shouldn't stop them from doing it again versus the Cleveland Browns. Of course, that doesn't mean they should achieve success by four touchdowns.
They can't get complacent. Jayden Daniels and Dan Quinn must be prepared for other teams to come at them with new strategies. And part of the Commanders' planning must be foresight.
With this in mind, here are three changes Washington's coaching staff must consider in Week 5 at Northwest Stadium.
Changes the Commanders' coaching staff must consider in Week 5
Solving the defensive tackle riddle
The greatest disappointment for the Washington Commanders season thus far is the same guy who has been one of the only bright spots in the past. Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne, despite showing some signs of life this last weekend, haven't lived up to their highly priced billing through four weeks. It's about time that changed.
With the way quarterback Deshaun Watson is playing, and the formidable defense that the Browns often show, it could turn into a game that is won in the trenches. This means that the Commanders must stop the run. They will be relying heavily on Allen, Payne, and perhaps even second-round rookie Johnny Newton to accomplish this feat.
Finding the right balance is crucial. Joe Whitt Jr.'s simplified approach can help greatly. Solving this defensive tackle riddle would change everything from a consistency standpoint.
Commanders must consider running back committee approach
No matter who has been in the backfield for the Washington Commanders this season, they have produced. Whether it was Jeremy McNichols and his two touchdowns against the Arizona Cardinals in Week 4, Austin Ekeler in the games before he sat out due to concussion, or workhorse Brian Robinson Jr - Kliff Kingsbury's offense has boasted one of the best rushing attacks in the NFL through four weeks of the campaign.
With the potential of Robinson missing this weekend, the Commanders would be wise to start splitting the backfield carries. If this team wins against the Cleveland Browns with or without the former Alabama standout, they need to start keeping their eyes on the horizon.
Washington's running game makes this offense go, But if Robinson suits up and he is already feeling the burden, then perhaps the Commanders can begin to use a more well-rounded approach.
Not to mention that despite only having 13 carries this season through three games, Ekeler is averaging over six yards per carry. Throughout his career, McNichols is also averaging just a pinch under 4.5 yards per carry. They've both proven to be capable veteran performers, so rotating more is a possibility with Robinson not at 100 percent.
The Commanders have a very competent running back room. Even though Robinson is developing into one of the better young running backs in the league with his brutal downhill style of running, it's also a style that lends itself to injuries.
It could be a blessing in disguise to be missing Robinson if he is out against the Cleveland Browns. If the Commanders believe they can win without him despite Cleveland's formidable defense, then he could be fresh going on the road to the Baltimore Ravens next weekend in a game many fans are calling for to be moved to Sunday night.
Commanders' altered strategy to counteract Myles Garrett
One of the most pleasant surprises of the Washington Commanders' first quarter of the season is the offensive line. A unit that was dreadful last season protecting quarterback Sam Howell has improved greatly. Not only because of the new coaches but the three new starters.
There is still plenty of room for growth. When the Commanders run the ball, the unit displaces people. They are one of the reasons that Brian Robinson Jr. has gone over 100 yards in two out of the four contests this season.
Bringing over Tyler Biadasz from the Dallas Cowboys has been the most underrated move of the offseason. He may be playing the best football of his life. One can only hope that he and Jayden Daniels stay healthy together. They could make a fabulous pairing for the next several years.
Another great move seems to have been the addition of Nick Allegretti, who was brought over from the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs. Having these two in the interior along with Sam Cosmi has given the Commanders a very stout interior.
The problem is that Myles Garrett plays on the edge. Not only has right tackle Andrew Wylie often struggled against premier pass rushers during his tenure, but the Commanders also have a rookie sharing responsibilities on Daniels' blindside.
It's a potential recipe for disaster. Garrett is one of the few defensive players in the NFL that can wreck an entire offensive game plan by himself. The edges are going to need some help. Whether that's lining John Bates and Ben Sinnott alongside to chip and double-team or bringing in another lineman on occasion - the Commanders simply can't count on either of their tackles to block him one-on-one. That includes rejuvenated veteran Cornelius Lucas.
This game could come down to the Commanders' ability, or inability, to block the one-man wrecking crew that is Garrett.
