A 7-2 start powered by a loaded offense and a steadily improving defense has the Washington Commanders in irresistible form, but they can't afford to overlook the Pittsburgh Steelers. The visitors to Northwest Stadium in Week 10 don't generate many headlines, but the sneaky-good AFC North team remains tough and resourceful on both sides of the ball.
Countering the rugged Steelers will demand big showings from three under-the-radar members of Washington's roster. They include a scrappy offensive lineman who has quietly inspired significant improvement up front this season.
The Commanders' offensive line is thriving, although at least in part, because of coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's liberal use of multiple-tight end sets. He has two formidable blockers at his disposal, one of which can help the hosts win this week's key matchup.
It isn't just a Commanders' tight end who has a vital role to play. The Steelers beat up pass defenses with a pair of roving brutes at the position. Washington needs to counter with a hybrid defender capable of physical coverage.
Under the radar Commanders who must contribute in Week 10
Tyler Biadasz must win inside
You have to feel for Tyler Biadasz. He's facing a nightmare assignment this week. Namely, squaring off with Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward.
He's never garnered the plaudits reserved for more illustrious names like Aaron Donald or Chris Jones, but don't let that fool you. Heyward has been as good as any in his era during a decorated career defined by consistency and excellence.
Keeping Heyward in check will be the key to the Commanders getting their running game on track. So will nullifying his fellow defensive tackles Larry Ogunjobi and Keeanu Benton.
Heyward is the most intimidating matchup, but Biadasz can handle the responsibility. The former Dallas Cowboys pivot has been s difference-maker this season. That needs to continue in Week 10.
Biadasz can maintain his form by taking confidence from how he fared against destructive New York Giants All-Pro nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II last week. Keeping things quiet along the interior will be crucial against the Steelers, who command more attention at the edges of their front seven.
John Bates has to help nullify T.J. Watt
Andrew Wylie isn't going to handle All-Pro edge rusher T.J. Watt by himself. The right tackle will need help, the kind of help natural blocker John Bates can provide.
Bates and rookie Ben Sinnott were key figures in Week 9, against the Giants' pass-rushing tandem of Azeez Ojulari and Brian Burns. The value of those blocking tight ends was reflected by the duo splitting 56 snaps, 32 for Bates and 24 for Sinnott, per Pro Football Reference.
Bates needs to get more work this week because Watt can take over a game by himself. The 2021 NFL Defensive Player of the Year is a relentless force who varies his rush plan on the fly.
There doesn't need to be any variety in how the Commanders approach the job of subduing No. 90. Bates should be over Watt on every snap, while a running back chips that side.
Being able to double and even triple Watt will mean the Commanders can slide protection toward Alex Highsmith on the other side. He's not as disruptive, but he is still a problem. Rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman may need help to contain despite a highly impressive performance versus the Giants.
Jeremy Chinn can play key role vs. Steelers tight ends
Containing Pittsburgh tight ends Pat Freiermuth and Darnell Washington is no easy task, but Jeremy Chinn could be a matchup equalizer. Having the dynamic safety get his hands on both early will set the tone for a physical, press-based coverage plan.
Chinn's 220-pound frame doesn't quite match with Freiermuth's 258 pounds, nor 264-pounder Washington. Yet, the Commanders don't have many physical matchups for these players, so the former second-round pick should get the nod. Especially since he's playing well enough to merit a new contract.
His experience at safety, coupled with a linebacker's mentality, means Chinn can beat up tight ends at the line of scrimmage and stay trailing them in space. Taking one or both of Freiermuth or Washington away from Russell Wilson will remove the underneath component of the Steelers' passing game.
It can also reduce Pittsburgh's ability to move bodies on the ground. This is going to be a test of the Commanders' muscle and resolve on defense. There can't be any holding back in the physical tussles.
