NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
Hopefully, the heart rate of Washington Commanders fans is normal again by now. I will get this out of the way right now YES, Jalen Hurts was not in the game but there are two things about the NFL a win is a win, and the next man up. Now that we cleared that up the goal of making the playoffs is alive and well and now we face a Flacons team with a rookie QB under center looking to spark his team and make a name for himself. This franchise looks to clinch a playoff spot for the first time since 2020 two ways to get in are to beat Atlanta or have the Bucs lose to the Panthers. As things stand now it would be round 3 against the Eagles but one week at a time kids. But, first things first what needs to happen this week to grab win number 11 on the season.
Where Is The Run Game?
Last week Brian Robinson Jr., Chris Rodriguez Jr., and Jeremy McNichols COMBIED for 32 yards rushing. There are pee-wee football teams that produce more than that. It has been a steady decline from the unit and that is not how you want to go into playoff football when the wind is whipping and it’s cold. An effective run game is a great thing to have and can save you. The fumbles HAVE to stop we all know that but the bigger issue is we don’t want our star quarterback leading the running game, one which has been top 5 all season and now has dried up.
The two things that need to happen are the backs need to put a foot in the ground and go. Waiting for holes has resulted in losses. The second thing is the offensive line has to win and create space for plays to happen this hasn’t been the case these last few weeks. Now is when you want to start ramping up and not stumbling to the end. As all Commanders fans know the more times QB1 tucks and runs the higher the injury risk. Setting the tone early and showing the Falcons the commitment to the ground will go a long way in gaining a win.
Defense We Need You
The Falcons have a real weapon in second-year running back Bijan Robinson and his backup Tyler Allgeier isn’t bad either. If they go off that makes life easier for Michael Penix Jr. Robinson isn’t just a threat running he is excellent out of the backfield and dangerous in the open field. Rumor has it there is a chance that we will get Johnathan Allen back in the lineup which would be fantastic news.
Once again Marshon Lattimore is put with his bad hamstring so that means one less person the Falcons skill players have to worry about. The win-loss record doesn’t show it but this offense can put points on the board and hit you with big plays if you aren’t careful. Drake London, Ray-Ray McCloud, and even Kyle Pitts sometimes can be an issue so sticking to the game plan on that side of the ball is a key for the Commanders. If they can get the pass rush going and force Penix Jr. to be uncomfortable and get the rookie to make mistakes. He has a quick release so getting him off the spot is important.
Embrace The Moment
It is all right in front of this team. A home game late in the season on prime time with a trip to the postseason up for grabs. For a decent amount of the players, this is a new experience they need to get the nerves out fast and get down to business. Not to mention the guys wanting to get this win for coach Dan Quinn who lead the Falcons for years. Jayden Daniels will want to lock down the Rookie of the Year award and outshine Penix Jr.
This is a Hollywood-made ending for a franchise that has had a great year 1 of a total rebuild. This is what the fan base has been starving for the last 10 or so years and now it is here. The 2020 team that made the playoffs was fun, but this is different and it starts with number 5 and then the people calling the shots. Let’s use this game as a celebration of the Commanders good year and beat Atlanta. #RaiseHail
