The Chiefs delivered a historic statement against the Raiders, and now they must avoid a letdown against the Washington Commanders (3-4) on Monday Night Football.
The defensive game plan fundamentally shifts with the news that Commanders QB Jayden Daniels is officially OUT with a hamstring sprain, handing the reins to veteran backup Marcus Mariota.
Crucially, the Chiefs received excellent injury news that balances the unfortunate loss of a defensive playmaker.
I. INJURY REPORT: THE O-LINE IS A GO
The injury crisis is partially averted, allowing the Chiefs to proceed with a near-full-strength offensive line, while the defensive front takes a significant hit.
| Player | Position | Injury Update (Post-Game) | Week 8 Status |
| Trey Smith | Right Guard | Back injury from Week 7. | QUESTIONABLE |
| Jawaan Taylor | Right Tackle | Shoulder injury from Week 7. | EXPECTED TO PLAY |
| Omarr Norman-Lott | Defensive Tackle | Knee injury suffered in Week 7. | OUT FOR SEASON |
II. ALL-22 FILM STUDY: HOW THE CHIEFS ATTACK
As I study the all-22 film on the Washington Commanders, this is precisely how the Chiefs should attack their defense and neutralize their offense with Marcus Mariota under center.
A. Attacking the Commanders Defense (Weakness: Pass Coverage)
The Commanders’ defense ranks dead last in the league in Opposing Yards per Pass (8.3). Our plan must exploit this liability by stressing them vertically and over the middle.
- The Play-Action Deep Shot: With the Chiefs’ O-Line protection restored (Smith and Taylor expected to play), we need to establish the run early with Pacheco, then use play-action to create time for a vertical throw. Their secondary breaks down quickly, making this a perfect opportunity for a massive yardage gain to Tyquan Thornton or Xavier Worthy.
- Seams and Crossers (Kelce/Rice): Washington is susceptible to traffic over the middle of the field. We must use motion to isolate Rashee Rice (coming off his two-TD game) against slower linebackers on crossers. For Travis Kelce, the seam route is money. When the defensive backs are deep to respect our speed, Kelce will feast on 15-yard gains right down the heart of the field.
B. Attacking the Commanders Offense (Strength: Rushing Attack)
The Commanders’ offense is run-heavy and efficient, ranking #1 in the NFL in Yards per Rush (5.4) and #2 in total rush yards per game. Our plan must overplay the run to force Mariota to pass.
- Overplay the Run on Early Downs: With the loss of Omarr Norman-Lott for the season, the interior pressure burden falls heavily on Chris Jones. Spagnuolo must dedicate an extra defender to the box to stop the run on first and second down. We must contain them to force predictable passing situations.
- Blitz and Trap Mariota on 3rd Down: Mariota is a veteran, but he has a history of poor pocket awareness and is prone to costly fumbles (19 career lost fumbles). On third-and-long, Spags must unleash exotic blitzes and disguised coverages. We need to force Mariota to hold the ball and generate a Turnover-Worthy Play that allows the defense to secure the ball.
III. THE LOCK-IN: THE NEW STANDARD
The Chiefs proved that the “LOCK IN” required last week was not a fluke, but the new standard. Despite the loss of Norman-Lott, the Chiefs have every advantage in this matchup. The path to victory is clean play, ruthless passing, and defensive pressure.
My Score Prediction
As I study the film, the QB downgrade for Washington is too significant to overcome, and the expected return of the Chiefs’ offensive tackles means protection should hold. The Chiefs’ defense forces three turnovers, including an early one, to set the tone for a blowout.
CHIEFS 45, COMMANDERS 3
Stay tuned to BowTie Sports and Chiefs Blitz for Monday’s game breakdown!
