5 Commanders the Jaguars must keep in check in Week 1

The Washington Commanders’ defense will be without Pro Bowl defensive end Chase Young for the first four weeks of the 2022 NFL season. But even without the No. 2 overall pick in the 2020 draft, the Commanders’ defensive will present a tough matchup for the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Despite the fact that the game will be at FedExField, the Jags will have a realistic shot to earn their first win of the year. For that to happen, they will need to keep an eye on these five Commanders players.

No. 5 Commander the Jaguars must account for:  Jonathan Allen, DT

The Commanders’ defensive line should have no trouble holding the fort in Chase Young’s absence. In fact, you could make the case their front four is one of their strongest position groups ahead of Week 1.

After all, they still have defensive end Montez Sweat and defensive tackles Daron Payne and Jonathan Allen. Of the bunch, Allen might be the most difficult to stop, especially when you take into account that rookie Luke Fortner will be making his first NFL start.

Last season, the Alabama product led Washington with nine sacks and he will once again be an important cog of their defense. Moreover, he logged 67 total pressures and posted a jaw-dropping Pro Football pass rush grade of 90.9. The Jags will need to account for him in every single play. Otherwise, it will be a long day for Trevor Lawrence and the offense.