The Washington Commanders will look a bit different this week for their Week 9 game against the New England Patriots. For the first time since the end of the 2018 season, neither Montez Sweat nor Chase Young are a part of Washington’s roster.
The Commanders traded their starting defensive ends ahead of this week’s NFL trade deadline, opening the door for James Smith-Williams, Casey Toohill and Efe Obada to replace Young and Sweat.
While Washington will miss Young, Sweat and their combined 11.5 sacks, the Commanders couldn’t be any worse on defense without the duo. Washington currently ranks No. 29 in total defense.
What must the Commanders do to defeat the Patriots?
Here are four keys to victory for Week 9.