Containing All-Pro nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II is the priority for the Washington Commanders against the New York Giants in Week 2.
Keeping Dexter Lawrence II quiet has been a riddle the Washington Commanders haven't been able to solve in recent seasons. The All-Pro nose tackle has been a one-man wrecking crew for the New York Giants, logging 4.5 sacks in his last four games against their NFC East rivals, according to StatMuse.
Lawrence is a problem because the 6-foot-4, 340-pounder is less an immovable object and more an irresistible force. He's a big man who covers ground quickly and has the range to vary his pass-rush plan and still destroy protection.
The Commanders will need numbers and nuance to subdue Lawrence at Northwest Stadium in Week 2.
Commanders must crowd Dexter Lawrence II in Week 2
Lawrence should see some form of a double team on every play. The Commanders could even justify triple-teaming big No. 97 after the way he dominated in a losing cause against the Minnesota Vikings in Week 1.
Giving center Tyler Biadasz regular help is the logical starting point for any plan to contain Lawrence. Guards Nick Allegretti and Sam Cosmi can take turns slamming into the side of the former Clemson star.
The numbers game shouldn't stop there. Not when the Commanders could put a sixth offensive lineman onto the field. Using an extra tackle as a jumbo tight end would give Washington more bodies to lock down the edges of the Giants' front seven and slide protection toward the nose tackle in the middle.
Overloading the line of scrimmage is one way to keep Lawrence occupied. Another is to mix up the blocking schemes.
Commanders should show Dexter Lawrence II different looks
Keeping Lawrence guessing about where the hits are coming from will be key to curbing his appetite for destruction. The Commanders can slow him down by showing the 26-year-old different looks.
A good example of how this revolving picture strategy can work was provided by Biadasz and the Dallas Cowboys last season. He spun back from center to pick off an edge rusher, leaving Lawrence to be doubled by sliding tackle Tyron Smith and guard Chuma Edoga. This worked to great effect.
Lawrence was expecting to slant inside, over the center, but the Cowboys fooled him into being reach-blocked by Smith. This is just one way to trap one of the most formidable interior defensive linemen in the NFL.
Another would be to have Biadasz turn away and let a guard or tackle wrap around to intercept Lawrence. The same concept can work with tight end John Bates, who has a key role in this week's blocking schemes, going in motion before executing a wham block after the defensive force is drawn into traffic.
Letting a downhill presence as quick and agile as Lawrence break free, albeit momentarily, is a risk. Yet it's one worth taking to keep the best player on the Giants' defense frustrated.
Taking Lawrence out of his comfort zone is the only way for the Commanders to give rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels the platform to improve after an uneven debut against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
It's also how the current strength of Washington's offense, running backs Brian Robinson Jr. and Austin Ekeler, will wear the Giants down.
