The Patriots host the Washington Commanders today at Gillette Stadium. Like the Patriots, the Commanders have been inconsistent on both sides of the ball. On paper, Washington has a more talented roster but they do not always play up to their ability. The Patriots can take advantage of their inconsistency with a good plan and execution.

Here are three offensive and defensive keys.

1. Get Douglas 20 touches: Quite frankly, this should have been done week ago but with the injuries at receiver, the opportunity is there now to get the kid more involved. Run jet with him, run plays off of jet and utilize his play making ability on reverses. He is the only play maker in space that you have. Utilize his skill set.

Here are four examples of how to use him this week.

2. Push the ball vertically: Washington is ranked 29th against the pass. The Patriots have to attack their corners and push the ball vertically. Provided Mac has time, expect the Patriots to attack the intermediate and third levels of a defense that can no longer rush the passer the way they used to thanks to the trades of Montez Sweat and Chase Young.

Here is an example of a vertical concept the Patriots could use this week.

3. Counter game and play action off it: The Patriots need to attack Washington’s defensive ends. Best way to do that is man-gap blocking schemes like counter and counter tray. If the Patriots establish their counter game, they can then hit them with the play-action and play-action screens off it.

Here is how the Patriots could run counter and play-action off it.

Defense

1. Five and six man pressures: The Patriots need to come after Sam Howell in this game. He has been sacked 41 times. Washington has had major protection issues, especially inside. Look for T-T stunts inside and delayed pressures as the Patriots look to get after Howell.

Here is an illustration of an overloaded five man pressure with a three shell behind it.

2. Confuse him with multiple disguises: The Patriots will move around a lot today. Howell has never faced a Bill Belichick defense do he will get the full experience today. Expect the Patriots to show him multiple fronts, walk up, drops and disguise multiple looks in an effort to confuse the young quarterback.

3. Slot pressure: Depending on down and distance, expect the Patriots to bring a fair amount of slot pressure today. Whether they are in nickel, dime or three safeties, the Patriots will come off the edge on any medium and long down situation. If timed right, Howell will struggle to pick it up.

Here is the type of double slot pressure Howell could see today.