January 18, 2025 • 32 mins
The Washington Commanders are headed to Detroit for a battle with the Lions in the Divisional round of the playoffs! Senior Writer Zach Selby is joined by Bowie TV’s Candi Waller and Sport Illustrated’s David Harrison to break down the Lions’ high-powered offense and more. Hosts: Zach Selby Guests: Candi Waller, David Harrison
See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Mark as Played
Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:09):
What's going on, y'all. This is a divisional edition of
the Beatdown podcast. I am your host, senior writer for
the Washington Commanders, Zach Selby. Last week I said, look,
I don't know if we're going to be here or not.
We're recording these podcasts like every day of our last.
I kind of like it a little bit. And the
Commanders are also playing like it's their last because they
(00:30):
are advancing to the divisional round after the dink from
Zane Gonzalez over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to defeat them
twenty three to twenty wild game. But as always with
the Commanders, especially over the last month and a half
or so, it seems like that's just the way they
play and that's where they live.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
But either way they are going to be playing.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
They never one seeded Detroit Lions heading into this weekend
on Saturday at eight o'clock on Fox, it is going
to be I think, by far, the Commander's biggest challenge
of the year. This This Ben Jonson offense is electric, dynamic,
and just about every single sense of the word defense.
Maybe not doesn't put up the statue would you would
(01:09):
want at some points, but they are very physical, very
symbolic of the culture. Dan Campbell is put up there
in Detroit and it is going to be quite the matchup.
And no matter what, if the Commanders do somehow pull
off a win here, they will have most certainly earned
that spot in the NFC Championship. And how are they
going to do that? How are they going to advance there? Well,
(01:30):
that is what we will be discussing today. With me,
we have the undefeated Candy Waller, who joins us from
Booie TV. Handy, how are you doing?
Speaker 3 (01:39):
I'm doing great. I was doing a whole lot of
woo in the background when you remind me that I'm undefeated.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
So but yes, all is well cold, but all as well.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
Yes, very cold. I feel like I need to bring
out some like introduction music here. And your contestant is
going to be David Harrison, who covers the Commander for
Forced Illustrated. David, how are you doing?
Speaker 2 (02:03):
I'm doing good?
Speaker 5 (02:03):
Feeling as good as Washington was when they went into
Philly that ten and oh night Monday night football.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
The undefeated team's about to go down.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Oh oh yes, I remember that game too. That was,
I mean, definitely one of the top five games I
think I've ever had to cover for this team. Definitely
a good example of how the unexpected can definitely happen here.
And guys listening, uh, you know, they know the deal
by now, questions points, winners, losers. I have to decide
the winner. And with that, all of that being said,
(02:33):
let's jump right into it here, and let's start off
with the biggest challenge I think for the Commanders, which
is going to be Detroit's offense. Right, and as I
mentioned at the top of the show, Ben Jonson has
that unit humming their top at unit in just about
every single major category here. Looks like they're second in
over and overall yards per game, their second in passing.
(02:54):
Jerry Goff has been playing out of his mind, one
of the best seasons you've had of his career. They're
putting out, you know, forty fifty points and just blow
these teams away in a lot of ways. They're very
creative on offense, and they are also very aggressive in
another way that is very sibolic of Dan Campbell's style.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
There.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
They go for the fourth down a lot. They they
play like they're behind, as Joe Witz said, a lot,
and it normally works out for them, and it's going
to be a big challenge for the commanders, who also
you know, they're one of the best and most efficient
fourth down teams is here over the last two decades
or so. So it's going to be, you know, no punch,
just vibes on Saturday. So David, we'll start with you here,
(03:35):
and I want to ski more like I'm belaeble these
is offense defense, but like I think there's more of
a general question for both sides of the ball. I mean,
what is the best way for Washington to counter this
ultra aggressive style that Detroit has on offense?
Speaker 5 (03:50):
Honestly, man, I think the best thing for the Washington
Matters to do this weekend is just be themselves. I
think a team like the Detroit Lions because of how
aggressive they are and you know, they like to pull
some recreation on offense sometimes and do all these types
of things and bring these blitzes that are designed to
obviously put pressure on the quarterback and me.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
And then we went up against the Minnesota Vikings as.
Speaker 5 (04:09):
Basically all they did the Troy Lions, and we're gonna
play the pressure on Sam Darnold and make improve that
he can beat us.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
And unfortunately for the Vikings, he couldn't do it.
Speaker 5 (04:17):
I think a lot of teams start to get out
of their own their own methods. They start to kind
of change who they are and try to think that
what we need to match the Lions, we need to
be just as clever as the Lions. And I don't
think this Washington Bears team needs to do that. I
don't think they're gonna do that. I think they're securing
their identity. They know who they wanted to be from
the jump, and all the guys have kind of gotten
on board with what dan Quinn wanted this team to be,
(04:38):
and they just do what got you here. Be consistent
as you possibly can, be aggressive when the moment calls
for you to be aggressive, and ultimately just play smart
situational football. Be in your fit on defense when you're
supposed to be there. Be in your zone when you're
supposed to be there. Don't get too wrapped up around
well I'm going around, Saint Brown is running across my
face even though I'm supposed to have this area.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
I want to make sure he doesn't get the ball.
Speaker 5 (04:59):
Next saying, you know, Sam Laporta, right in the space
you're supposed to be in running for thirty yards. So
I think that's the key is don't get you know,
we talked about the environment, but don't get wrapped up
in your opponents to the point where you start playing
football differently.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
That's a really good point. Cliff even brought that up
in his presser on the sutle of the points if
the day that the days are getting very like getting
mixed up because we're playing on Saturday, so everything is
pushed back a little bit. But during his presser he
mentioned how you don't really ever want to get out
of who you are because of you know, like he
needs talking with Aaron Lynn in this case, but it starving.
(05:32):
It works for the other side of the ball too,
they don't you never want to get too caught up
in what's going on, what they're doing. Yet to get
focused on what you're doing and stay and stay with
say you're laying in terms of who you are. I
think that can be amblematic of the entire team. Candy
will switch over you and I ask you the same question
here is like I said, this, this detrot this Detroit
offense is super aggressive all the time. So what do
(05:53):
you think they can do to counter that, not only
on defense, but also maybe a little bit on offense
as well.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
I think the big name of the game here for
the Washington Commanders is to do something that they have
been really really good at and really smart at, and
that is controlling the time of possession. When they're winning
the time of possession battle, they win right so like
straight up, and that is going to take this Washington
(06:19):
Commanders defense to finally meet a goal that Dan Quinn
and Joe Wait Junior have been talking about all season long,
and that is the turnover goal of three takeaway. They're
gonna have to get that football back. The only way
you're gonna stop this Lions offense is to not have
them on the field straight up. The running game is
(06:41):
too vicious, it's too mean, it's too dynamic, and it's
a multitude of players that can that can make plays
on that offense. They may be down at least one
offensive lineman the on the Lion's side, but other than that,
keep them off the field right. They are super aggressive,
they are super efficient and effective in what they do,
(07:03):
so while they can get that football back, and of
course the Commander's offense themselves be efficient and effective and
control that kind of possession.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
They will be successful on Saturday Night.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
You know, the Commanders, they do have that three turnover goal.
They've they've gotten closed a couple of times this year,
but they have yet to have turnovers in a single game.
They come up with two against Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers,
the Tansey Titans, and the Philadelphia Eagles, but hadn't hit
that three mark yet. It'll be interesting to see what
happens there. But David, you covered the Tampa Buccaneers for
(07:38):
a long time, and it seems like the game plan
for the Bucks that Washington hell is very similar to
what they can put together for the Lions here. So
in terms of just you know, getting that aggressive style
off the field here for Detroit's offense, Like, do you
do you borrow a lot of that from from from
where you have going into Tampa?
Speaker 2 (07:56):
I think you surely do.
Speaker 5 (07:57):
You know. I think a lot of what the Washington
Bearers did against the Buccaneers, they the intent on keeping
the lid, on making the Buccaneers, you know, throw all
their punches. You don't want to let them land a
haymaker and get a knock down, and then you know,
the first round or whatever, you want to make them
jab their way to the end zone, and then when
you get down to those scoring positions, you want to
try to tighten.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Up as much as possible. It's it's kind of interesting,
you know.
Speaker 5 (08:16):
I did a little bit of research looking into the Lions' losses,
but then also looking into some of their more narrow victories,
their one score margin victories, and essentially what I came
up with this is somewhat anecdotal, right, because every game
has different context. But at the same time, if you
can prevent the Detroit Lions from having touchdowns on sixty
(08:36):
percent of their scoring drift, right, So if they have
five scores, four scores, three scores, whatever it is, if
you can prevent sixty percent or more of those from
being touched downs, you're gonna have a chance to win.
And we know that this Washington Commander's team is going
to have that chance to win. So or when they
have a chance to win, more often than not, they're
gonna pull off the victory. Right, So, you give up yards,
if you give up if you give up passing yards.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
The key is not give up the explosives that lead
to touchdowns, not just explosives in general, but.
Speaker 5 (09:04):
The scoring explosives get into the red zone and then
try to tying down a little bit. The Comanders didn't
have the greatest red zone defense in the world, but
they did keep the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, interestingly enough to
that sixty percent mark. So if you keep the Lions
from scoring from outside the red zone and then hold
them to that sixty percent mark in the red zone, obviously,
like Candy said, getting takeaways always the optimal plan, but
(09:25):
as long as you can keep them to field goals.
Because the interesting name about Dan Campbell, he gets a
little bit more aggressive in the postseason. We saw that
last year, a little bit to his own demise. That's
just kind of who he is. So you get them
in the red zone and you force them into fourth downs,
there's gonna be opportunities there where they go for it.
And to that three turnover point, Joey Junior said just yesterday,
turnover on downs. That's a turnover, So it doesn't cows
(09:47):
a turnover in the in the stat box, but that's
a turnover to him and that might be one of
the ways you get one of those three takeaways.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
You know, it's it's then Shay, I keep bringing up
these things from Cliff because they do kind of apply
to both to both sides here, and he said, you
know they're super aggressive and that, well, that does give
you give them some positive plays every now and again.
It does alviously give you the opportunity to hit your
own positive plays as well, because there's gonna be some
open spots there, and I think I think that's absolutely true.
(10:15):
So hey, IFO we move on to the next question here,
I want to ask you about like Marshall Lattimore and
all this. Obviously, he didn't have the game that you
would want future Holiday Hall of Fame inducteam Mike Evans
here had ninety three yards all seven of his catches,
so definitely not a game they would want. But I
would imagine he's going to play a pretty big key
role here against I'm on Ross and Brown, who has
(10:36):
twelve touchdowns, twelve hundred yards this year, one hundred and
fifteen receptions, really really great player. But in terms of
just staying aggressive, do you think that being able to
lock up Amon raan man coverage a little bit more
is going to allow that even the line for Washington
to be a little more aggressive and hope we put
bresh on Jered Goff, who was, like I said earlier,
has just been very accurate with the ball this year.
Speaker 4 (10:57):
Absolutely, I think one of the things when I was
looking at this matchup, in this game overall, there were
some similarities to me in the Commander's game against the Ravens,
just because there's multiple ways that this Lion's team can
beat you. We have a good, solid quarterback. Not that
I'm comparing Jerry Goff to Somelamar Jackson, but it's good, solid,
(11:22):
great play that Jared Goff has been doing since he's
been in Detroit. You have a great run game, right,
and you have receivers right. And so I remember distinctly
that game Joe Wick Junior feeling like the offense.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
The Commander's offense, have done enough to win that game.
Speaker 4 (11:38):
But there's four specific plays that if the defense had
not had done what they were supposed to do, they
would have won that football game.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
Who they did not.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
Have in that Baltimore Ravens game was a Marshawn Lattism, right,
So now you have a Marshawn Lattimore. It's almost like
go back to the film, go back to the tape,
go back to those moments. If you had had a
Marshawn Lattimore, what would you have done differently and what
could have happened to alleviate some of those early plays
by Jay Flowers in the game, right, Because you saw
(12:08):
that shift happen in the second half of that Ravens game,
but the first half was like, oh my gosh, the
dvs are just the struggling. But like I said, you
didn't have that key component of a Marshaan Lattimore, So
how can you strategically ensure that with a stronger piece
in Marshawn Now we all know he's still dealing with
a hamstring thing, right, it's not necessarily one hundred percent,
(12:29):
but just his mentality and just if they're strategic and
bringing in that safety help, we're appropriate. I'm always going
to say a great way to help your dbs in
getting pressure up front the defensive line, got to get
your golf on the ground, got to get more pressure
up front. That's always helped to your DBS. But I
just continue to feel like in that game, they didn't
(12:51):
have a Marshawn Lattimore. You do now, So what are
those specific plays where you can ensure his play is
highlighted and it doesn't end up in DPIs.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Yeah, and that has been you know a little bit
of a you know, an issue. I would say, maybe
not even really an issue, just because that's the way
he plays and you love the competitiveness and all that.
But you're right, I mean the pass Russians and the
coverage they do play very you know, they play well
hand in hand together, and I think you're gonna need
both your any both against this Lin's offense because, like
I said, they play like they're behind at all times
(13:22):
and you can't you can't have any mistakes regardless. But
we are going to move on to the next question here.
I will give you both two points. I'll light the
points you were making Candy about the town possession and
Lattimore David. I'll like the points about you know, Stayton
who true to who Washington is, and also the point
you're making by Tampa Bay. But Katy, since you brought
up the town possession, I want to swift, you know,
stay on you here and talk about the Commanded's run game,
(13:43):
which has not been you know, as great as as
as it has been at the beginning of the year. Obviously,
Jade Daniels has been spectacular running the ball, but the
rest of it has been a little spotty here and there,
particularly between the tackles. And if you're gonna own time
with possession, you have to establish a run game to
again keep this line's offense off the field. So what
(14:03):
do you do against this lines even in front that
has been banged up quite a bit but still plays
a little bit about their talent great?
Speaker 4 (14:10):
I would actually like to see, And this may come
off as a shock for some, I would actually, you know,
and I may have not been in the presser if
coach quit addresses at all, you know, really wasn't certain
why Chris Rodriguez was in active last week, because I
would like to see perhaps Chris Rodriguez. I think when
we're talking about that speed in between tackles being able
(14:31):
to get out, I think Chris Rodriguez is an opportunity
to do that as well as Jeremy McNichols. The team
does have Austin acklerbet so they can help. But another
thing that the team did on the fourth and one
that I was like, Wow, we really doing this is
they brought in Marcus Mariota right. I was like, now,
wait a minute, because at this point in time, now
(14:52):
is when you see the will starting to spin from
a Cliff Kingsbury offense perspective. When I say you'll start
to spend, we're going to need to see some creativity
and some innovation here.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Right.
Speaker 3 (15:04):
They know that this the run game.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Has stalled quite a bit. So what do you do
when you start. You gotta get creative. You gotta leverage
and utilize those players that can get you that yard.
And that sounds crazy, right that you got to get
creative in order to get you know, fourth and inches
or thirte in inches or fourth and one and two.
But that's what they had to do just last week
against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So not to like call
(15:29):
any one player out, but it's obvious they're they're gonna
have They're having a tough time with the run game,
so they're gonna have to get And it's not necessarily
like just making Jaden Use's legs, you know, even more
so than he already does, or just taking deep shots
down the field when he doesn't necessarily see it as
clearly or as openly, But it's really using that creativity
(15:49):
and innovation that we know that this that this offensive
staff has relying on those plays from a David Blouse,
a coach Pritchard, everything else that they're able to do
to pull this together because they're absolutely going to need
a strong run game on Saturday night. The who is
going to bring that strong run game is where we
kind of don't know, And I would like to see
(16:12):
the team, you know, take a look at Chris Rogriguez
if he's inactive again, then bring in Marcus Mariota like
you did on last Sunday night, and really put more
emphasis on Austin Eckler and Jeremy McNicholas.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
You know, that's a good point because I really did
like the way they used Mariota for those like the
quarterback sneak stuff, but also putting you know, Jaden in
motion a lot. And I also noticed that they were
using a lot more speed option plays. It's a triple option,
which is like that's always sort of been a little
bit of a wrinkle, but you really didn't see all
that much of it during the regular season. So David,
(16:45):
I'll switch over to you here and like, what do
you think about the creativity to get like the ring
of going a little bit more and like, how much
more do you think they can build on that against
the lines defense that is, you know, fifth overall for
the season and rushing yards per game.
Speaker 5 (16:58):
Yeah, I think I think you need to have your
your primary plan, which could be to do a little
bit more of what you saw against Tampa Bay, but you.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Also needed to have your contingency plan.
Speaker 5 (17:06):
And I think that when you get deeper into the
weeds of how do we solve this running problem, you
don't you don't need to get more complex. If you
have to get into that contingency plan, you have to
get more back to basics. And I think that is
where a guy that Chris Rodery hasn't come into to
what Kenny was saying, Like, if you've turned to Chris Roderiz,
that means that maybe some of the polls, some of
the traps, some of the outside runs, some of the
(17:28):
zone reads and all that stuff, maybe they're not working
against his Lions defense. So if we're gonna switch gears
to Chris Roderiez's get back to basics. Man, Let's just
tell each guy on the line of scrimmage, this is
your dude. Put some put some manful manipulation on them.
Move them from the spot spot A to spot B. Chris,
this is the gap that you're gonna run through. Hit
that whole hit it hard, fall forward, and Plute sees
Detroit Lions delivered.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
Some body blows. Because the thing.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
About the Detroit Lions defense that's interesting is, yes, their
yards per per game on the ground that they're giving
up is low, but the yards per carry that they're
giving up is actually not as low. It's actually one
of the higher averages in the league. What's happening is
that a lot of times teams are falling behind to
the Detroit Lions, so they're going to their pass game
really quick because they feel like they have to keep
up in this track meet or like I said before,
(18:12):
they're changing up who they are. They're saying, you know,
we usually like to establish the run, establish this ground game,
control of the clock. We know we need to swing,
you know, blow for blow this Troy Lions defense or offense.
And it kind of does the job for the Troy
Lions defense themselves. They kind of simplify themselves and they
just come out trying to pass the ball all over
the yard.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
So I like to.
Speaker 5 (18:29):
See that kind of goes back to the commanders, just
kind of staying true to who you are. What I
really liked about what they did against Tampa is we
saw I felt like more designed passes to running backs.
And you know, I've always kind I've said all season longly,
Jane Daniels doesn't really check down his checkdown and his running.
So when you see them throw a short pass to
(18:50):
a tied end, a short pass to a running back,
typically it's part of the play design only James dropping
back looking deep to push the defensive umbrella deep and
then throw it underneath Austin Eckler. It might look like
a up off, but really that's the play design from
the play call.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
I like that they did that a little bit more
against Tampa.
Speaker 5 (19:05):
But because you take advantage of their aggression is going
to usually clear up some spots behind the line of scrimmage.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
But also knowing that you got guys like.
Speaker 5 (19:12):
Terry McLaurin Diami Brown that can kind of push to
the field deep, so the Buccaneers have to keep that
shell out there and you take advantage of that soft
middle from those from those perspectives.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
That they do collapse on those middle short routes.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
Well, now you've got a quarterback, they can get outside
of that protection or outside of that coverage and do
damage that way. I like to see him continue to
kind of do those types of things. And looking at
Brian ro Robinson like that's a guy that everybody wants
to get going again. He was going really well in
the beginning of the season, you know, middle of the season,
dealt with some injuries here in the last half of
this year, our last portion that he's really just kind
of has gotten bogged down.
Speaker 2 (19:44):
We saw it last.
Speaker 5 (19:45):
Year with Sam Hall and Eric the Enemy. Some of
it was by his hunts, some of it was a
survival mode from Sam Howell. But Brian Robinson can be
a threat in the passing game. He can do some
damage as a receiver out of the backfield. So we
you know Austin Eckler can do do that as well.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
I think Jerry McNichols has some ability there.
Speaker 5 (20:01):
Chris Roder, he has one one career catchup. I'm telling you,
the dude can catch better than he's given credit for.
So you have four backs that you potentially use in
that mode. So whether it's physically actually running the ball
and doing getting better at it, or using that short
pass game as an extension of the run game. Combine
a little bit of what you did last week, but
also had that contingency planet. Look, if that's not working,
just give Chris the ball and let him just hammer
(20:23):
the line of scrimmage and do some damage that way.
Because this Troy line, I think it's four point one
yards in the middle of the field, four yards either
side the left of the right.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
They're giving up yards per carry. You just have to
figure out how to get those yards out of them.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Yeah, you know, I really am interested to see if
Chris Rodorigins will be active because I do like what
he does whenever he's on the field. He came up
really big for them and a lot of clutch spots there.
And you bring in the point about b robbing the
passing game, and people forget one of the most explosive
plays he had was against the Seahawks on a pass
play down the left sideline to score that touchdown. I
mean that was for that That game is probably, you know,
(20:58):
one of the offense his best games last year. That
was definitely one of the more electric players. Now, Candy,
we mentioned staying True, who Washington's is on offense now,
but there's also a very you know, obviously there's a
possibility that the commanders will be down seven maybe even
double diggit points here at some point. So how how
(21:18):
do they avoid the temptation of, like David said, just okay,
we need to throw all over the yard here instead
of just okay, we're down ten points. We're fine. We
just need to keep saying who we are, run the ball,
get some get some traction on offense, and then all
of a sudden we're back into it.
Speaker 4 (21:35):
I think I think that's where and this is the
name that we really hadn't talked about, right because of
the course, because of the great questions that you're asking,
But that is where we'll have to focus in on
quarterback play, right, We'll have to see you.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Jaden.
Speaker 4 (21:49):
Daniels remained the cool calm and collected that kid, Jaden
that he is right, Like if he keeps the same
you know, just poise, like everybody's been saying for like,
you know, the last year that we've all been covering him.
If he continues that, I think they can get that done, right,
because then that also aligns with time of possession, right,
(22:12):
you're not You're not in desperation mode. You're not taking
us back when you should have thrown it out right
or you just you know, And and some of that
has to do with the offensive line, haven't you know,
really brought that up, because we know that that group
had a strong start, but then to start, you know,
dealing with some injuries and having to you know, share,
you know, show their versatility of people having to move
move about across the line, and folks stand it out
(22:35):
due to injuries.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
But I do think.
Speaker 4 (22:38):
They can keep a part of that identity because so
much of who the Washington commanders are it's because of
who Jane Dale is. Dan Quinn talked earlier this week
they still all had faith. So if he keeps that mentality,
I think that is the key nucleus of them remaining
who they are.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
Yeah, I really do think so. And you're right, we
haven't really talked about Jaden that much. We have should
have been doing that because he has been, i mean,
the catalyst for this for this entire for this entire run.
They've been onto the like after the bye week. But yeah,
you know, and David, we'll we'll we'll wrap this one
up here by going to you, I mean the Jade
and Daniels of it all. And how how crucial is
that going to be to keep to keep to their
(23:17):
to keep to their identity on offense because he is
such a cool and conquct to guy and this is
such a hostile environment. How important is that going to
be as a head into this really you know, intense matchup.
Speaker 5 (23:27):
Yeah, man, I mean he sets the Tony makes it run,
you know what I mean going into the wildcard round,
that was something that I talked about before that game.
Wanted to see where we had seen Jaden kind of
put on the cape in the second.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
Half of a lot of these games recently.
Speaker 5 (23:40):
Uh, you know, manufacture some running offense where there wasn't
a rushing offense and do those types of things, and
you know, not completely carry the team on his back,
because I think saying that completely would you'll be disrespectful.
Speaker 2 (23:50):
Some of the some of the other players, but you know, putting.
Speaker 5 (23:53):
A lot of that on his on his own shoulders
and saying I'm going to make some things happen, whether
it's extending players to give guys opportunities to get open,
things like that.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
And I wanted to see him do that earlier against.
Speaker 5 (24:02):
Stampa Bay Buccaneers, because Buccaneers defense was one that in
the second half of games historically, they really weren't giving.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Up a lot of offense.
Speaker 5 (24:09):
And I felt like if they had to wait, if
the Washington Bearers had to wait until the second half
to really try to turn it on, and by that time,
with the momentum and all that stuff.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
It may be a little bit too late. So to
see Jayden kind of do a little bit.
Speaker 5 (24:20):
Of that in the first half and that Buccaneers game
was really encouraging. I think it's it's kind of part
of the progression of him as a leader of this
team to where it's not just Okay, now you need be.
Speaker 2 (24:29):
So I'll turn it on. It's no, It's turned on
from from the first minute of the game.
Speaker 5 (24:33):
And I think you're gonna need that again with the
Troy Lions. And you know, look so far, I mean
so far, the dude's unflappable. And I know the Troy Lions.
Part of their part of their game plan, part of
all the lines Mediah they're talking about, is they've got
to bother Jade and they've got to shake him. They've
got to rattle them. They've got to make him understand.
Like you know that that playoff atmosphere, this one's different.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
But so far nobody's been able to do it.
Speaker 5 (24:55):
I don't know if if ford Field is gonna be
able to do it, But as long as Jayden stays cool, calm, collective,
like you're saying, and then go out there with the
mindset of I'm going to make the plays that my
team needs me to make, no matter what the situation is,
no matter what time is on the clock. I think
that that's gonna go a long way to keeping the
news game.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
You know.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
All I have to say is, as one point, the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers had two spies on Jane Daniels during
the fourth quarter, and two spies is crazy.
Speaker 2 (25:22):
You know.
Speaker 1 (25:22):
That just shows you how much respect they have for him.
And he burned him because I had said, Okay, you're
just gonna let me not let me run.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
That's fine.
Speaker 1 (25:29):
I got a lot of players open down field.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
Whatever.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
So we're gonna move on to last question here. I
will keep the score to myself because I want to
keep that lads a little bit of a surprise heading
in this last round here. And as I mentioned. You know,
the Lions offense full of playmakers. I'm on Rossaint Brown,
You've got you know, Jerry Goff, You've got Jamior Gibbs.
All these guys are are just so potent in terms
(25:52):
of if you had to pick one, if you had
to be picky, here can you We'll start with you here,
since you are the undefeated champion, who's one player this
defense just absolutely has to stop if they're going to
pull out Detroit with a win. Jared Goff.
Speaker 4 (26:08):
I mean I would, I would literally say, you know,
my gut is Jamar Gibbs, straight up. But another thing
that this defense hasn't been able to do when we
you know, consistently is get to the quarterback. Get to
the quarterback early and often.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
Right.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
You might see it a little bit, don't see it
a whole lot. You get Jared off of his game.
It's very similar push.
Speaker 3 (26:33):
To what that I know.
Speaker 4 (26:33):
We all know that they're going to try to do
the Jadin. But if Jared Goff has a bad game,
it will be because of the commands defense, and that's
what would have to happen. I'm saying, zoom in on
Jared Goff, zoom in on the orchestrator in the in
the person that is the conductor. If you will out
on the field, like I said, my gun will say
(26:54):
Jamar Gibbs, right, because it's like the obvious answer. But
I'm still like getting to that quarterback, just like they're
going to try to get the James.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
It's absolutely what this Commander's defense has to do.
Speaker 4 (27:03):
There's been questions about we talk a lot about establishing
the run. We've also talked about stopping the run, but
that starts with rattling the quarterback.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
So getting to Golf early and often, I think that's
who they have to zoom in on.
Speaker 1 (27:15):
Look, Golf is completing seventy two point four percent of
his pass just thirty seven toutdowns, twelve interceptions, been sacked
thirty one times. But he really is the thing that
makes that offense go. And they, I mean the Detroit fans,
they they chant his name all the time to let
him know exactly how much they appreciate him. David, same
question to you, if you had to pick one player
(27:37):
on this line's offensive stop for the Commanders defense, who
would it be? And why?
Speaker 5 (27:42):
So I'm gonna cheat a little bit, and if you
don't let me get away with it. I do have
an actual player to name, but it's Ben Johnson. And
I don't mean you had to stifle the attire Detroit
Lions offense. What I mean is when you look at
the Troy Lions history, especially their losses, their guys still
get yards. Like at the end of the day, it's
kind of a hope to contain because you can't stop them.
Type of situation like am Andara is gonna get a
little bit of his Jamison Williams, you know, Sam Laporta.
(28:04):
All these guys are gonna get a little bit of
offense no matter what. Even if you win, that's that
line's still gonna look good for some of those guys.
Ben Johnson loves trick plays. He loves misdirection. He loves
getting guys out of their gaps, out of their zones,
out of their fits by using slight of hand.
Speaker 2 (28:18):
He's kind of a magician that way.
Speaker 5 (28:19):
He's got his basic, straight up offense, of course, but
he likes to dial up these things that cause great plays.
Kind of what really should be a very simple, you know,
three yard game turns into a thirteen yard game because.
Speaker 2 (28:31):
This linebacker got out of his own because.
Speaker 5 (28:32):
Of this misdirection, this thing that he showed him that
got that player off till That is where I think
this game is gonna be wonder loss ultimately, is if
Ben Johnson pulls out a little triggeration, a little something cute,
a little bit of slight of hand, and this Commander's
defense stays home, stays pat, isn't tricked by the triggeration,
then I think they're gonna.
Speaker 2 (28:50):
Be able to handle that. Well.
Speaker 5 (28:52):
If they don't, I'm not saying it's gonna be what
was like forty one to six.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
I think last year is what it was, you know,
Lion's Cowboys. I don't think it's gonna be anything crazy
like that.
Speaker 5 (29:00):
They give up some of these cheap plays, you know,
a five yard slant that turns into a twenty yard
game because somebody was out of position because they saw
something they thought with something else.
Speaker 2 (29:08):
That's where this team can get really into trouble.
Speaker 5 (29:10):
So that's where I think the team's gonna stop Ben
Johnson is by not letting him get those cheap yards
from those Q plays.
Speaker 1 (29:16):
And I mean you could see the respect that these
that these coaches for the Commanders have for Ben Johnson.
He is objectively speaking. One of the best offensive minds
in the league right now. He has been for the
last couple of years. He's so innovative, so creative with
the way he runs that offense, and he really does
like to just be in his bag with some creative
plays out there. And as Joe had said, you gotta
(29:39):
trust your eyes, you gotta slay disciplined, and Ben Johnson
will make you test that discipline time and time again.
So final decision here. Both did really good, really good
answers here. Candy, you were up by one point, so
you had a little bit of an advantage heading into it. Man,
(29:59):
I think I gotta go with David's answer for going
after the architect himself and Johnson. I think that was
an excellent answer. David, you have won. You have dethroned Candy,
giving her her first loss of the season. Do you
have any parting words of victory for us as we
head into the weekend.
Speaker 5 (30:18):
I'm gonna have to crank dreams and nightmares because the
underdog won. But you know what can't he still deserves
her flowers. So one of the best reporters on this beat,
so you know, wouldn't rather go up against anybody else
other than candy.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
And let me go ahead and say David admitted that
he cheated. That's the only reason why. That's like I
want that on the pod. He cheated because come on, now,
you already know I was blesting that tail. I answered
the question that was asked. He did not all good.
Speaker 1 (30:48):
You know, I'm thinking is he was thinking outside the box,
being creative.
Speaker 3 (30:53):
But yeah, like you know, he admitted it, he cheated.
Speaker 5 (30:55):
He didn't answer the question I got, I got, I
got in Ben Johnson.
Speaker 3 (30:58):
Mode Leslie clear in the long run, cheata's never win.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
But you echo, David, Yes, you're right. Kay Kenny, you
have been just spectacular. One of my favorite people on
you went, David, Both of you guys, I have great
answers to to to all the questions I give, and
it's it's great playing along with you guys. That's why
I'm always just very happy to have you guys on
the pod. But like David, hopefully the Commanders will be
(31:25):
dethroning the Detroit Lions for who for what it's worth
our h and three against the cannetitors in the playoffs.
Just throwing that out there, not that it matters really
in terms of the grand scheme of things, but it
is a good little bit of who've been a history
to know, uh and they will be. They could be
handed to the NFC Championship for the first time since
I think it's the nineteen ninety one season. We all
(31:45):
know what happened then. But until then, maybe we'll see
you till the next week, maybe we won't. But either way, regardless,
you should be great reviewing and subscribing wherever get your podcast,
and this has been the beatdown
What's going on, y'all. This is a divisional edition of
the Beatdown podcast. I am your host, senior writer for
the Washington Commanders, Zach Selby. Last week I said, look,
I don't know if we're going to be here or not.
We're recording these podcasts like every day of our last.
I kind of like it a little bit. And the
Commanders are also playing like it's their last because they
(00:30):
are advancing to the divisional round after the dink from
Zane Gonzalez over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to defeat them
twenty three to twenty wild game. But as always with
the Commanders, especially over the last month and a half
or so, it seems like that's just the way they
play and that's where they live.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
But either way they are going to be playing.
Speaker 1 (00:48):
They never one seeded Detroit Lions heading into this weekend
on Saturday at eight o'clock on Fox, it is going
to be I think, by far, the Commander's biggest challenge
of the year. This This Ben Jonson offense is electric, dynamic,
and just about every single sense of the word defense.
Maybe not doesn't put up the statue would you would
(01:09):
want at some points, but they are very physical, very
symbolic of the culture. Dan Campbell is put up there
in Detroit and it is going to be quite the matchup.
And no matter what, if the Commanders do somehow pull
off a win here, they will have most certainly earned
that spot in the NFC Championship. And how are they
going to do that? How are they going to advance there? Well,
(01:30):
that is what we will be discussing today. With me,
we have the undefeated Candy Waller, who joins us from
Booie TV. Handy, how are you doing?
Speaker 3 (01:39):
I'm doing great. I was doing a whole lot of
woo in the background when you remind me that I'm undefeated.
Speaker 4 (01:44):
So but yes, all is well cold, but all as well.
Speaker 1 (01:50):
Yes, very cold. I feel like I need to bring
out some like introduction music here. And your contestant is
going to be David Harrison, who covers the Commander for
Forced Illustrated. David, how are you doing?
Speaker 2 (02:03):
I'm doing good?
Speaker 5 (02:03):
Feeling as good as Washington was when they went into
Philly that ten and oh night Monday night football.
Speaker 2 (02:09):
The undefeated team's about to go down.
Speaker 1 (02:10):
Oh oh yes, I remember that game too. That was,
I mean, definitely one of the top five games I
think I've ever had to cover for this team. Definitely
a good example of how the unexpected can definitely happen here.
And guys listening, uh, you know, they know the deal
by now, questions points, winners, losers. I have to decide
the winner. And with that, all of that being said,
(02:33):
let's jump right into it here, and let's start off
with the biggest challenge I think for the Commanders, which
is going to be Detroit's offense. Right, and as I
mentioned at the top of the show, Ben Jonson has
that unit humming their top at unit in just about
every single major category here. Looks like they're second in
over and overall yards per game, their second in passing.
(02:54):
Jerry Goff has been playing out of his mind, one
of the best seasons you've had of his career. They're
putting out, you know, forty fifty points and just blow
these teams away in a lot of ways. They're very
creative on offense, and they are also very aggressive in
another way that is very sibolic of Dan Campbell's style.
Speaker 2 (03:11):
There.
Speaker 1 (03:12):
They go for the fourth down a lot. They they
play like they're behind, as Joe Witz said, a lot,
and it normally works out for them, and it's going
to be a big challenge for the commanders, who also
you know, they're one of the best and most efficient
fourth down teams is here over the last two decades
or so. So it's going to be, you know, no punch,
just vibes on Saturday. So David, we'll start with you here,
(03:35):
and I want to ski more like I'm belaeble these
is offense defense, but like I think there's more of
a general question for both sides of the ball. I mean,
what is the best way for Washington to counter this
ultra aggressive style that Detroit has on offense?
Speaker 5 (03:50):
Honestly, man, I think the best thing for the Washington
Matters to do this weekend is just be themselves. I
think a team like the Detroit Lions because of how
aggressive they are and you know, they like to pull
some recreation on offense sometimes and do all these types
of things and bring these blitzes that are designed to
obviously put pressure on the quarterback and me.
Speaker 2 (04:07):
And then we went up against the Minnesota Vikings as.
Speaker 5 (04:09):
Basically all they did the Troy Lions, and we're gonna
play the pressure on Sam Darnold and make improve that
he can beat us.
Speaker 2 (04:13):
And unfortunately for the Vikings, he couldn't do it.
Speaker 5 (04:17):
I think a lot of teams start to get out
of their own their own methods. They start to kind
of change who they are and try to think that
what we need to match the Lions, we need to
be just as clever as the Lions. And I don't
think this Washington Bears team needs to do that. I
don't think they're gonna do that. I think they're securing
their identity. They know who they wanted to be from
the jump, and all the guys have kind of gotten
on board with what dan Quinn wanted this team to be,
(04:38):
and they just do what got you here. Be consistent
as you possibly can, be aggressive when the moment calls
for you to be aggressive, and ultimately just play smart
situational football. Be in your fit on defense when you're
supposed to be there. Be in your zone when you're
supposed to be there. Don't get too wrapped up around
well I'm going around, Saint Brown is running across my
face even though I'm supposed to have this area.
Speaker 2 (04:58):
I want to make sure he doesn't get the ball.
Speaker 5 (04:59):
Next saying, you know, Sam Laporta, right in the space
you're supposed to be in running for thirty yards. So
I think that's the key is don't get you know,
we talked about the environment, but don't get wrapped up
in your opponents to the point where you start playing
football differently.
Speaker 1 (05:12):
That's a really good point. Cliff even brought that up
in his presser on the sutle of the points if
the day that the days are getting very like getting
mixed up because we're playing on Saturday, so everything is
pushed back a little bit. But during his presser he
mentioned how you don't really ever want to get out
of who you are because of you know, like he
needs talking with Aaron Lynn in this case, but it starving.
(05:32):
It works for the other side of the ball too,
they don't you never want to get too caught up
in what's going on, what they're doing. Yet to get
focused on what you're doing and stay and stay with
say you're laying in terms of who you are. I
think that can be amblematic of the entire team. Candy
will switch over you and I ask you the same question
here is like I said, this, this detrot this Detroit
offense is super aggressive all the time. So what do
(05:53):
you think they can do to counter that, not only
on defense, but also maybe a little bit on offense
as well.
Speaker 4 (05:58):
I think the big name of the game here for
the Washington Commanders is to do something that they have
been really really good at and really smart at, and
that is controlling the time of possession. When they're winning
the time of possession battle, they win right so like
straight up, and that is going to take this Washington
(06:19):
Commanders defense to finally meet a goal that Dan Quinn
and Joe Wait Junior have been talking about all season long,
and that is the turnover goal of three takeaway. They're
gonna have to get that football back. The only way
you're gonna stop this Lions offense is to not have
them on the field straight up. The running game is
(06:41):
too vicious, it's too mean, it's too dynamic, and it's
a multitude of players that can that can make plays
on that offense. They may be down at least one
offensive lineman the on the Lion's side, but other than that,
keep them off the field right. They are super aggressive,
they are super efficient and effective in what they do,
(07:03):
so while they can get that football back, and of
course the Commander's offense themselves be efficient and effective and
control that kind of possession.
Speaker 3 (07:13):
They will be successful on Saturday Night.
Speaker 1 (07:16):
You know, the Commanders, they do have that three turnover goal.
They've they've gotten closed a couple of times this year,
but they have yet to have turnovers in a single game.
They come up with two against Carolina Panthers, Pittsburgh Steelers,
the Tansey Titans, and the Philadelphia Eagles, but hadn't hit
that three mark yet. It'll be interesting to see what
happens there. But David, you covered the Tampa Buccaneers for
(07:38):
a long time, and it seems like the game plan
for the Bucks that Washington hell is very similar to
what they can put together for the Lions here. So
in terms of just you know, getting that aggressive style
off the field here for Detroit's offense, Like, do you
do you borrow a lot of that from from from
where you have going into Tampa?
Speaker 2 (07:56):
I think you surely do.
Speaker 5 (07:57):
You know. I think a lot of what the Washington
Bearers did against the Buccaneers, they the intent on keeping
the lid, on making the Buccaneers, you know, throw all
their punches. You don't want to let them land a
haymaker and get a knock down, and then you know,
the first round or whatever, you want to make them
jab their way to the end zone, and then when
you get down to those scoring positions, you want to
try to tighten.
Speaker 2 (08:14):
Up as much as possible. It's it's kind of interesting,
you know.
Speaker 5 (08:16):
I did a little bit of research looking into the Lions' losses,
but then also looking into some of their more narrow victories,
their one score margin victories, and essentially what I came
up with this is somewhat anecdotal, right, because every game
has different context. But at the same time, if you
can prevent the Detroit Lions from having touchdowns on sixty
(08:36):
percent of their scoring drift, right, So if they have
five scores, four scores, three scores, whatever it is, if
you can prevent sixty percent or more of those from
being touched downs, you're gonna have a chance to win.
And we know that this Washington Commander's team is going
to have that chance to win. So or when they
have a chance to win, more often than not, they're
gonna pull off the victory. Right, So, you give up yards,
if you give up if you give up passing yards.
Speaker 2 (08:59):
The key is not give up the explosives that lead
to touchdowns, not just explosives in general, but.
Speaker 5 (09:04):
The scoring explosives get into the red zone and then
try to tying down a little bit. The Comanders didn't
have the greatest red zone defense in the world, but
they did keep the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, interestingly enough to
that sixty percent mark. So if you keep the Lions
from scoring from outside the red zone and then hold
them to that sixty percent mark in the red zone, obviously,
like Candy said, getting takeaways always the optimal plan, but
(09:25):
as long as you can keep them to field goals.
Because the interesting name about Dan Campbell, he gets a
little bit more aggressive in the postseason. We saw that
last year, a little bit to his own demise. That's
just kind of who he is. So you get them
in the red zone and you force them into fourth downs,
there's gonna be opportunities there where they go for it.
And to that three turnover point, Joey Junior said just yesterday,
turnover on downs. That's a turnover, So it doesn't cows
(09:47):
a turnover in the in the stat box, but that's
a turnover to him and that might be one of
the ways you get one of those three takeaways.
Speaker 1 (09:54):
You know, it's it's then Shay, I keep bringing up
these things from Cliff because they do kind of apply
to both to both sides here, and he said, you
know they're super aggressive and that, well, that does give
you give them some positive plays every now and again.
It does alviously give you the opportunity to hit your
own positive plays as well, because there's gonna be some
open spots there, and I think I think that's absolutely true.
(10:15):
So hey, IFO we move on to the next question here,
I want to ask you about like Marshall Lattimore and
all this. Obviously, he didn't have the game that you
would want future Holiday Hall of Fame inducteam Mike Evans
here had ninety three yards all seven of his catches,
so definitely not a game they would want. But I
would imagine he's going to play a pretty big key
role here against I'm on Ross and Brown, who has
(10:36):
twelve touchdowns, twelve hundred yards this year, one hundred and
fifteen receptions, really really great player. But in terms of
just staying aggressive, do you think that being able to
lock up Amon raan man coverage a little bit more
is going to allow that even the line for Washington
to be a little more aggressive and hope we put
bresh on Jered Goff, who was, like I said earlier,
has just been very accurate with the ball this year.
Speaker 4 (10:57):
Absolutely, I think one of the things when I was
looking at this matchup, in this game overall, there were
some similarities to me in the Commander's game against the Ravens,
just because there's multiple ways that this Lion's team can
beat you. We have a good, solid quarterback. Not that
I'm comparing Jerry Goff to Somelamar Jackson, but it's good, solid,
(11:22):
great play that Jared Goff has been doing since he's
been in Detroit. You have a great run game, right,
and you have receivers right. And so I remember distinctly
that game Joe Wick Junior feeling like the offense.
Speaker 3 (11:36):
The Commander's offense, have done enough to win that game.
Speaker 4 (11:38):
But there's four specific plays that if the defense had
not had done what they were supposed to do, they
would have won that football game.
Speaker 3 (11:46):
Who they did not.
Speaker 4 (11:47):
Have in that Baltimore Ravens game was a Marshawn Lattism, right,
So now you have a Marshawn Lattimore. It's almost like
go back to the film, go back to the tape,
go back to those moments. If you had had a
Marshawn Lattimore, what would you have done differently and what
could have happened to alleviate some of those early plays
by Jay Flowers in the game, right, Because you saw
(12:08):
that shift happen in the second half of that Ravens game,
but the first half was like, oh my gosh, the
dvs are just the struggling. But like I said, you
didn't have that key component of a Marshaan Lattimore, So
how can you strategically ensure that with a stronger piece
in Marshawn Now we all know he's still dealing with
a hamstring thing, right, it's not necessarily one hundred percent,
(12:29):
but just his mentality and just if they're strategic and
bringing in that safety help, we're appropriate. I'm always going
to say a great way to help your dbs in
getting pressure up front the defensive line, got to get
your golf on the ground, got to get more pressure
up front. That's always helped to your DBS. But I
just continue to feel like in that game, they didn't
(12:51):
have a Marshawn Lattimore. You do now, So what are
those specific plays where you can ensure his play is
highlighted and it doesn't end up in DPIs.
Speaker 1 (13:00):
Yeah, and that has been you know a little bit
of a you know, an issue. I would say, maybe
not even really an issue, just because that's the way
he plays and you love the competitiveness and all that.
But you're right, I mean the pass Russians and the
coverage they do play very you know, they play well
hand in hand together, and I think you're gonna need
both your any both against this Lin's offense because, like
I said, they play like they're behind at all times
(13:22):
and you can't you can't have any mistakes regardless. But
we are going to move on to the next question here.
I will give you both two points. I'll light the
points you were making Candy about the town possession and
Lattimore David. I'll like the points about you know, Stayton
who true to who Washington is, and also the point
you're making by Tampa Bay. But Katy, since you brought
up the town possession, I want to swift, you know,
stay on you here and talk about the Commanded's run game,
(13:43):
which has not been you know, as great as as
as it has been at the beginning of the year. Obviously,
Jade Daniels has been spectacular running the ball, but the
rest of it has been a little spotty here and there,
particularly between the tackles. And if you're gonna own time
with possession, you have to establish a run game to
again keep this line's offense off the field. So what
(14:03):
do you do against this lines even in front that
has been banged up quite a bit but still plays
a little bit about their talent great?
Speaker 4 (14:10):
I would actually like to see, And this may come
off as a shock for some, I would actually, you know,
and I may have not been in the presser if
coach quit addresses at all, you know, really wasn't certain
why Chris Rodriguez was in active last week, because I
would like to see perhaps Chris Rodriguez. I think when
we're talking about that speed in between tackles being able
(14:31):
to get out, I think Chris Rodriguez is an opportunity
to do that as well as Jeremy McNichols. The team
does have Austin acklerbet so they can help. But another
thing that the team did on the fourth and one
that I was like, Wow, we really doing this is
they brought in Marcus Mariota right. I was like, now,
wait a minute, because at this point in time, now
(14:52):
is when you see the will starting to spin from
a Cliff Kingsbury offense perspective. When I say you'll start
to spend, we're going to need to see some creativity
and some innovation here.
Speaker 1 (15:03):
Right.
Speaker 3 (15:04):
They know that this the run game.
Speaker 4 (15:06):
Has stalled quite a bit. So what do you do
when you start. You gotta get creative. You gotta leverage
and utilize those players that can get you that yard.
And that sounds crazy, right that you got to get
creative in order to get you know, fourth and inches
or thirte in inches or fourth and one and two.
But that's what they had to do just last week
against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. So not to like call
(15:29):
any one player out, but it's obvious they're they're gonna
have They're having a tough time with the run game,
so they're gonna have to get And it's not necessarily
like just making Jaden Use's legs, you know, even more
so than he already does, or just taking deep shots
down the field when he doesn't necessarily see it as
clearly or as openly, But it's really using that creativity
(15:49):
and innovation that we know that this that this offensive
staff has relying on those plays from a David Blouse,
a coach Pritchard, everything else that they're able to do
to pull this together because they're absolutely going to need
a strong run game on Saturday night. The who is
going to bring that strong run game is where we
kind of don't know, And I would like to see
(16:12):
the team, you know, take a look at Chris Rogriguez
if he's inactive again, then bring in Marcus Mariota like
you did on last Sunday night, and really put more
emphasis on Austin Eckler and Jeremy McNicholas.
Speaker 1 (16:25):
You know, that's a good point because I really did
like the way they used Mariota for those like the
quarterback sneak stuff, but also putting you know, Jaden in
motion a lot. And I also noticed that they were
using a lot more speed option plays. It's a triple option,
which is like that's always sort of been a little
bit of a wrinkle, but you really didn't see all
that much of it during the regular season. So David,
(16:45):
I'll switch over to you here and like, what do
you think about the creativity to get like the ring
of going a little bit more and like, how much
more do you think they can build on that against
the lines defense that is, you know, fifth overall for
the season and rushing yards per game.
Speaker 5 (16:58):
Yeah, I think I think you need to have your
your primary plan, which could be to do a little
bit more of what you saw against Tampa Bay, but you.
Speaker 2 (17:04):
Also needed to have your contingency plan.
Speaker 5 (17:06):
And I think that when you get deeper into the
weeds of how do we solve this running problem, you
don't you don't need to get more complex. If you
have to get into that contingency plan, you have to
get more back to basics. And I think that is
where a guy that Chris Rodery hasn't come into to
what Kenny was saying, Like, if you've turned to Chris Roderiz,
that means that maybe some of the polls, some of
the traps, some of the outside runs, some of the
(17:28):
zone reads and all that stuff, maybe they're not working
against his Lions defense. So if we're gonna switch gears
to Chris Roderiez's get back to basics. Man, Let's just
tell each guy on the line of scrimmage, this is
your dude. Put some put some manful manipulation on them.
Move them from the spot spot A to spot B. Chris,
this is the gap that you're gonna run through. Hit
that whole hit it hard, fall forward, and Plute sees
Detroit Lions delivered.
Speaker 2 (17:48):
Some body blows. Because the thing.
Speaker 5 (17:50):
About the Detroit Lions defense that's interesting is, yes, their
yards per per game on the ground that they're giving
up is low, but the yards per carry that they're
giving up is actually not as low. It's actually one
of the higher averages in the league. What's happening is
that a lot of times teams are falling behind to
the Detroit Lions, so they're going to their pass game
really quick because they feel like they have to keep
up in this track meet or like I said before,
(18:12):
they're changing up who they are. They're saying, you know,
we usually like to establish the run, establish this ground game,
control of the clock. We know we need to swing,
you know, blow for blow this Troy Lions defense or offense.
And it kind of does the job for the Troy
Lions defense themselves. They kind of simplify themselves and they
just come out trying to pass the ball all over
the yard.
Speaker 2 (18:29):
So I like to.
Speaker 5 (18:29):
See that kind of goes back to the commanders, just
kind of staying true to who you are. What I
really liked about what they did against Tampa is we
saw I felt like more designed passes to running backs.
And you know, I've always kind I've said all season longly,
Jane Daniels doesn't really check down his checkdown and his running.
So when you see them throw a short pass to
(18:50):
a tied end, a short pass to a running back,
typically it's part of the play design only James dropping
back looking deep to push the defensive umbrella deep and
then throw it underneath Austin Eckler. It might look like
a up off, but really that's the play design from
the play call.
Speaker 2 (19:03):
I like that they did that a little bit more
against Tampa.
Speaker 5 (19:05):
But because you take advantage of their aggression is going
to usually clear up some spots behind the line of scrimmage.
Speaker 2 (19:10):
But also knowing that you got guys like.
Speaker 5 (19:12):
Terry McLaurin Diami Brown that can kind of push to
the field deep, so the Buccaneers have to keep that
shell out there and you take advantage of that soft
middle from those from those perspectives.
Speaker 2 (19:20):
That they do collapse on those middle short routes.
Speaker 5 (19:23):
Well, now you've got a quarterback, they can get outside
of that protection or outside of that coverage and do
damage that way. I like to see him continue to
kind of do those types of things. And looking at
Brian ro Robinson like that's a guy that everybody wants
to get going again. He was going really well in
the beginning of the season, you know, middle of the season,
dealt with some injuries here in the last half of
this year, our last portion that he's really just kind
of has gotten bogged down.
Speaker 2 (19:44):
We saw it last.
Speaker 5 (19:45):
Year with Sam Hall and Eric the Enemy. Some of
it was by his hunts, some of it was a
survival mode from Sam Howell. But Brian Robinson can be
a threat in the passing game. He can do some
damage as a receiver out of the backfield. So we
you know Austin Eckler can do do that as well.
Speaker 2 (19:59):
I think Jerry McNichols has some ability there.
Speaker 5 (20:01):
Chris Roder, he has one one career catchup. I'm telling you,
the dude can catch better than he's given credit for.
So you have four backs that you potentially use in
that mode. So whether it's physically actually running the ball
and doing getting better at it, or using that short
pass game as an extension of the run game. Combine
a little bit of what you did last week, but
also had that contingency planet. Look, if that's not working,
just give Chris the ball and let him just hammer
(20:23):
the line of scrimmage and do some damage that way.
Because this Troy line, I think it's four point one
yards in the middle of the field, four yards either
side the left of the right.
Speaker 2 (20:31):
They're giving up yards per carry. You just have to
figure out how to get those yards out of them.
Speaker 1 (20:36):
Yeah, you know, I really am interested to see if
Chris Rodorigins will be active because I do like what
he does whenever he's on the field. He came up
really big for them and a lot of clutch spots there.
And you bring in the point about b robbing the
passing game, and people forget one of the most explosive
plays he had was against the Seahawks on a pass
play down the left sideline to score that touchdown. I
mean that was for that That game is probably, you know,
(20:58):
one of the offense his best games last year. That
was definitely one of the more electric players. Now, Candy,
we mentioned staying True, who Washington's is on offense now,
but there's also a very you know, obviously there's a
possibility that the commanders will be down seven maybe even
double diggit points here at some point. So how how
(21:18):
do they avoid the temptation of, like David said, just okay,
we need to throw all over the yard here instead
of just okay, we're down ten points. We're fine. We
just need to keep saying who we are, run the ball,
get some get some traction on offense, and then all
of a sudden we're back into it.
Speaker 4 (21:35):
I think I think that's where and this is the
name that we really hadn't talked about, right because of
the course, because of the great questions that you're asking,
But that is where we'll have to focus in on
quarterback play, right, We'll have to see you.
Speaker 1 (21:48):
Jaden.
Speaker 4 (21:49):
Daniels remained the cool calm and collected that kid, Jaden
that he is right, Like if he keeps the same
you know, just poise, like everybody's been saying for like,
you know, the last year that we've all been covering him.
If he continues that, I think they can get that done, right,
because then that also aligns with time of possession, right,
(22:12):
you're not You're not in desperation mode. You're not taking
us back when you should have thrown it out right
or you just you know, And and some of that
has to do with the offensive line, haven't you know,
really brought that up, because we know that that group
had a strong start, but then to start, you know,
dealing with some injuries and having to you know, share,
you know, show their versatility of people having to move
move about across the line, and folks stand it out
(22:35):
due to injuries.
Speaker 3 (22:36):
But I do think.
Speaker 4 (22:38):
They can keep a part of that identity because so
much of who the Washington commanders are it's because of
who Jane Dale is. Dan Quinn talked earlier this week
they still all had faith. So if he keeps that mentality,
I think that is the key nucleus of them remaining
who they are.
Speaker 1 (22:55):
Yeah, I really do think so. And you're right, we
haven't really talked about Jaden that much. We have should
have been doing that because he has been, i mean,
the catalyst for this for this entire for this entire run.
They've been onto the like after the bye week. But yeah,
you know, and David, we'll we'll we'll wrap this one
up here by going to you, I mean the Jade
and Daniels of it all. And how how crucial is
that going to be to keep to keep to their
(23:17):
to keep to their identity on offense because he is
such a cool and conquct to guy and this is
such a hostile environment. How important is that going to
be as a head into this really you know, intense matchup.
Speaker 5 (23:27):
Yeah, man, I mean he sets the Tony makes it run,
you know what I mean going into the wildcard round,
that was something that I talked about before that game.
Wanted to see where we had seen Jaden kind of
put on the cape in the second.
Speaker 2 (23:38):
Half of a lot of these games recently.
Speaker 5 (23:40):
Uh, you know, manufacture some running offense where there wasn't
a rushing offense and do those types of things, and
you know, not completely carry the team on his back,
because I think saying that completely would you'll be disrespectful.
Speaker 2 (23:50):
Some of the some of the other players, but you know, putting.
Speaker 5 (23:53):
A lot of that on his on his own shoulders
and saying I'm going to make some things happen, whether
it's extending players to give guys opportunities to get open,
things like that.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
And I wanted to see him do that earlier against.
Speaker 5 (24:02):
Stampa Bay Buccaneers, because Buccaneers defense was one that in
the second half of games historically, they really weren't giving.
Speaker 2 (24:08):
Up a lot of offense.
Speaker 5 (24:09):
And I felt like if they had to wait, if
the Washington Bearers had to wait until the second half
to really try to turn it on, and by that time,
with the momentum and all that stuff.
Speaker 2 (24:17):
It may be a little bit too late. So to
see Jayden kind of do a little bit.
Speaker 5 (24:20):
Of that in the first half and that Buccaneers game
was really encouraging. I think it's it's kind of part
of the progression of him as a leader of this
team to where it's not just Okay, now you need be.
Speaker 2 (24:29):
So I'll turn it on. It's no, It's turned on
from from the first minute of the game.
Speaker 5 (24:33):
And I think you're gonna need that again with the
Troy Lions. And you know, look so far, I mean
so far, the dude's unflappable. And I know the Troy Lions.
Part of their part of their game plan, part of
all the lines Mediah they're talking about, is they've got
to bother Jade and they've got to shake him. They've
got to rattle them. They've got to make him understand.
Like you know that that playoff atmosphere, this one's different.
Speaker 2 (24:53):
But so far nobody's been able to do it.
Speaker 5 (24:55):
I don't know if if ford Field is gonna be
able to do it, But as long as Jayden stays cool, calm, collective,
like you're saying, and then go out there with the
mindset of I'm going to make the plays that my
team needs me to make, no matter what the situation is,
no matter what time is on the clock. I think
that that's gonna go a long way to keeping the
news game.
Speaker 2 (25:10):
You know.
Speaker 1 (25:10):
All I have to say is, as one point, the
Tampa Bay Buccaneers had two spies on Jane Daniels during
the fourth quarter, and two spies is crazy.
Speaker 2 (25:22):
You know.
Speaker 1 (25:22):
That just shows you how much respect they have for him.
And he burned him because I had said, Okay, you're
just gonna let me not let me run.
Speaker 2 (25:28):
That's fine.
Speaker 1 (25:29):
I got a lot of players open down field.
Speaker 2 (25:30):
Whatever.
Speaker 1 (25:31):
So we're gonna move on to last question here. I
will keep the score to myself because I want to
keep that lads a little bit of a surprise heading
in this last round here. And as I mentioned. You know,
the Lions offense full of playmakers. I'm on Rossaint Brown,
You've got you know, Jerry Goff, You've got Jamior Gibbs.
All these guys are are just so potent in terms
(25:52):
of if you had to pick one, if you had
to be picky, here can you We'll start with you here,
since you are the undefeated champion, who's one player this
defense just absolutely has to stop if they're going to
pull out Detroit with a win. Jared Goff.
Speaker 4 (26:08):
I mean I would, I would literally say, you know,
my gut is Jamar Gibbs, straight up. But another thing
that this defense hasn't been able to do when we
you know, consistently is get to the quarterback. Get to
the quarterback early and often.
Speaker 2 (26:27):
Right.
Speaker 4 (26:27):
You might see it a little bit, don't see it
a whole lot. You get Jared off of his game.
It's very similar push.
Speaker 3 (26:33):
To what that I know.
Speaker 4 (26:33):
We all know that they're going to try to do
the Jadin. But if Jared Goff has a bad game,
it will be because of the commands defense, and that's
what would have to happen. I'm saying, zoom in on
Jared Goff, zoom in on the orchestrator in the in
the person that is the conductor. If you will out
on the field, like I said, my gun will say
(26:54):
Jamar Gibbs, right, because it's like the obvious answer. But
I'm still like getting to that quarterback, just like they're
going to try to get the James.
Speaker 3 (27:00):
It's absolutely what this Commander's defense has to do.
Speaker 4 (27:03):
There's been questions about we talk a lot about establishing
the run. We've also talked about stopping the run, but
that starts with rattling the quarterback.
Speaker 3 (27:11):
So getting to Golf early and often, I think that's
who they have to zoom in on.
Speaker 1 (27:15):
Look, Golf is completing seventy two point four percent of
his pass just thirty seven toutdowns, twelve interceptions, been sacked
thirty one times. But he really is the thing that
makes that offense go. And they, I mean the Detroit fans,
they they chant his name all the time to let
him know exactly how much they appreciate him. David, same
question to you, if you had to pick one player
(27:37):
on this line's offensive stop for the Commanders defense, who
would it be? And why?
Speaker 5 (27:42):
So I'm gonna cheat a little bit, and if you
don't let me get away with it. I do have
an actual player to name, but it's Ben Johnson. And
I don't mean you had to stifle the attire Detroit
Lions offense. What I mean is when you look at
the Troy Lions history, especially their losses, their guys still
get yards. Like at the end of the day, it's
kind of a hope to contain because you can't stop them.
Type of situation like am Andara is gonna get a
little bit of his Jamison Williams, you know, Sam Laporta.
(28:04):
All these guys are gonna get a little bit of
offense no matter what. Even if you win, that's that
line's still gonna look good for some of those guys.
Ben Johnson loves trick plays. He loves misdirection. He loves
getting guys out of their gaps, out of their zones,
out of their fits by using slight of hand.
Speaker 2 (28:18):
He's kind of a magician that way.
Speaker 5 (28:19):
He's got his basic, straight up offense, of course, but
he likes to dial up these things that cause great plays.
Kind of what really should be a very simple, you know,
three yard game turns into a thirteen yard game because.
Speaker 2 (28:31):
This linebacker got out of his own because.
Speaker 5 (28:32):
Of this misdirection, this thing that he showed him that
got that player off till That is where I think
this game is gonna be wonder loss ultimately, is if
Ben Johnson pulls out a little triggeration, a little something cute,
a little bit of slight of hand, and this Commander's
defense stays home, stays pat, isn't tricked by the triggeration,
then I think they're gonna.
Speaker 2 (28:50):
Be able to handle that. Well.
Speaker 5 (28:52):
If they don't, I'm not saying it's gonna be what
was like forty one to six.
Speaker 2 (28:55):
I think last year is what it was, you know,
Lion's Cowboys. I don't think it's gonna be anything crazy
like that.
Speaker 5 (29:00):
They give up some of these cheap plays, you know,
a five yard slant that turns into a twenty yard
game because somebody was out of position because they saw
something they thought with something else.
Speaker 2 (29:08):
That's where this team can get really into trouble.
Speaker 5 (29:10):
So that's where I think the team's gonna stop Ben
Johnson is by not letting him get those cheap yards
from those Q plays.
Speaker 1 (29:16):
And I mean you could see the respect that these
that these coaches for the Commanders have for Ben Johnson.
He is objectively speaking. One of the best offensive minds
in the league right now. He has been for the
last couple of years. He's so innovative, so creative with
the way he runs that offense, and he really does
like to just be in his bag with some creative
plays out there. And as Joe had said, you gotta
(29:39):
trust your eyes, you gotta slay disciplined, and Ben Johnson
will make you test that discipline time and time again.
So final decision here. Both did really good, really good
answers here. Candy, you were up by one point, so
you had a little bit of an advantage heading into it. Man,
(29:59):
I think I gotta go with David's answer for going
after the architect himself and Johnson. I think that was
an excellent answer. David, you have won. You have dethroned Candy,
giving her her first loss of the season. Do you
have any parting words of victory for us as we
head into the weekend.
Speaker 5 (30:18):
I'm gonna have to crank dreams and nightmares because the
underdog won. But you know what can't he still deserves
her flowers. So one of the best reporters on this beat,
so you know, wouldn't rather go up against anybody else
other than candy.
Speaker 4 (30:30):
And let me go ahead and say David admitted that
he cheated. That's the only reason why. That's like I
want that on the pod. He cheated because come on, now,
you already know I was blesting that tail. I answered
the question that was asked. He did not all good.
Speaker 1 (30:48):
You know, I'm thinking is he was thinking outside the box,
being creative.
Speaker 3 (30:53):
But yeah, like you know, he admitted it, he cheated.
Speaker 5 (30:55):
He didn't answer the question I got, I got, I
got in Ben Johnson.
Speaker 3 (30:58):
Mode Leslie clear in the long run, cheata's never win.
Speaker 1 (31:04):
But you echo, David, Yes, you're right. Kay Kenny, you
have been just spectacular. One of my favorite people on
you went, David, Both of you guys, I have great
answers to to to all the questions I give, and
it's it's great playing along with you guys. That's why
I'm always just very happy to have you guys on
the pod. But like David, hopefully the Commanders will be
(31:25):
dethroning the Detroit Lions for who for what it's worth
our h and three against the cannetitors in the playoffs.
Just throwing that out there, not that it matters really
in terms of the grand scheme of things, but it
is a good little bit of who've been a history
to know, uh and they will be. They could be
handed to the NFC Championship for the first time since
I think it's the nineteen ninety one season. We all
(31:45):
know what happened then. But until then, maybe we'll see
you till the next week, maybe we won't. But either way, regardless,
you should be great reviewing and subscribing wherever get your podcast,
and this has been the beatdown
Popular Podcasts
24/7 News: The Latest
The latest news in 4 minutes updated every hour, every day.
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show
The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show. Clay Travis and Buck Sexton tackle the biggest stories in news, politics and current events with intelligence and humor. From the border crisis, to the madness of cancel culture and far-left missteps, Clay and Buck guide listeners through the latest headlines and hot topics with fun and entertaining conversations and opinions.