Mark Madden's Hot Take: Commanders' no-huddle will be 60-minute challenge for Steelers

I don’t possess much tactical acumen when it comes to football. Like Matt Canada.

But it feels like Washington’s commitment and success using the no-huddle offense could provide a decisive edge in Sunday’s matchup with the Pittsburgh Steelers.

The Commanders (7-2) have run an average of 37 plays per game without a huddle. That’s by far the most in the NFL. Seattle is second at 17 per game, less than half.

Jayden Daniels, Washington’s rookie quarterback, is completing 70.2% of his passes when operating without a huddle.

That’s remarkable composure in a chaotic situation designed to disrupt the opposition’s poise.

The Steelers traditionally rattle rookie signal-callers. But that seems unlikely with Daniels, a clear front-runner for NFL Rookie of the Year and a legit possibility for MVP.

Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin will have difficulty getting subpackages on the field. That will inevitably leave the Steelers with the wrong personnel for certain situations or, more likely, see them frequently go nickel and be accordingly vulnerable to Washington’s running game. The Commanders are averaging 163.9 yards per game on the ground, 5 yards per carry.

Steelers cornerback Cam Sutton is back for his first game after being suspended.

Sutton might have some rust to knock off. But if the Steelers use lots of nickel, Sutton should immediately replace rookie Beanie Bishop in that alignment. Sutton is 2 inches taller, slightly heavier, better against the run and that was the Steelers’ original plan for the nickel.

If Washington operates its no-huddle to max efficiency, the Steelers defense could be rattled and get tired.

WWMCD? What would Matt Canada do?

Disclaimer: Pro Football Focus says the Steelers defense is statistically one of the NFL’s best against the no-huddle. But the Commanders aren’t just an occasional user. It’s a 60-minute challenge.