Nabers, who led the SEC in receiving yards and receptions while playing with Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels at LSU in 2023, presents unique challenges for defensive backs. He has the size (6-foot, 200 pounds) to be physical with players downfield to make contested catches, but he can also run short and intermediate routes as well as pick up yards after the catch. The Commanders got an introduction to that skill set last season in Week 2, as he caught 10 of 18 targets for 127 yards and a touchdown.
Whitt said “we’ll see” whether the Commanders are better equipped to handle Nabers, but it is worth noting that the Commanders built their new secondary with stopping some of the league’s top receivers in mind. Both Lattimore and Amos have a reputation for performing better in man coverage. Amos had 13 pass breakups in 2024, allowing just nine receptions on 25 targets in man situations and three yards after the catch. Lattimore joined the Commanders at the trade deadline allowing a -12.3% completion rate over expected when targeted as the nearest defender.
Sunday’s matchup against Nabers should test that assumed strength. Nabers ranked 14th among receivers against man coverage, according to Pro Football Focus, catching 58.5% of his targets and four touchdowns.
Adding to that challenge is that Nabers now has a quarterback in Russell Wilson who can get them the ball for explosive plays downfield. Wilson had the 11th-best grade on passes of at least 20 yards, but the Commanders don’t need stats to tell them that Wilson’s arm is still potent. He delivered the game-winning touchdown throw against them last season when he was the Pittsburgh Steelers’ starting quarterback.
“That’s what he [Wilson] does best,” Whitt said. “He throws the ball really good outside in numbers deep. He gives his guys a chance to go make a play and that just gives him a chance to make a play. He places it very well on those deep balls. He’s one of the best that’s done it, and he’s done it for a very, very long time.”