The Washington Commanders' secondary has not met their billing so far this season. This was projected to be among the team's biggest strengths before the campaign. Aside from a few positives, they have fallen short of these expectations.
And things could get a lot worse this weekend in the face of a familiar foe.
Washington makes its annual trip to take on the Dallas Cowboys in Week 7. It's one of the league's most historic and bitter rivalries, dating back decades. While they have some real problems defensively, head coach Brian Schottenheimer's offense is humming, and it looks set to welcome back All-Pro wide receiver CeeDee Lamb from an ankle injury to raise Commanders' defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.'s headache further.
Commanders have an all-too-familiar foe to contend with in Week 7
Lamb is back at practice as he looks to resume his prolific wideout partnership with George Pickens. He also sent a chilling warning to the Commanders, claiming that his ankle is feeling better and it won't take him long to get back into the groove.
"I don't think it'll be long at all. I feel like I'm out there moving around, running around, being me, happy as can be. Obviously, just believing in my ankle. I feel like it's back to where I needed it to be and [I’m] pretty good."
CeeDee Lamb via Sporting News
This is something the Commanders need to take seriously. The Cowboys' offense has been difficult enough to contain in recent weeks, even with Lamb on the sidelines. Now that he's back in the fold, this is a challenge of epic proportions for Washington's cornerback group.
If there was ever a time to raise the stakes, it's now. Marshon Lattimore needs to step up. Mike Sainristil also needs to increase his performance levels. Second-round rookie Trey Amos is playing well, but this represents a different challenge entirely.
Washington's safeties also need to provide adequate support. Quan Martin's supposed breakout campaign is falling by the wayside. Jeremy Reaves is playing with plenty of effort, but he's missing too many tackles. That cannot happen versus a Cowboys offense capable of punishing even the slightest mistakes.
Containing the Cowboys offensively is an almost impossible task. Those chances diminish significantly with Lamb back in the fold. And if his proclamation about not skipping a beat proves accurate, this could be a long afternoon at the office for Washington's defensive backs if they don't meet fire with fire.
A season-best effort is needed. Whether it'll be enough is another matter.