NFL
By: Joe Cardoso
Fresh off a road win in New Orleans, the Commanders are back home and should feel lucky about last week’s win. A lot of points were left on the field, missed big plays, and the defense showed some leaks as well. On a positive note, we have clinched a winning season with a playoff spot within reach; it was a great debut for Marshon Lattimore. After the game, rumors started about a possible return of DT Johnathan Allen, who has been out since week 6 with a torn pec.
The last time we faced the Eagles, it was a back-and-forth first half, and in the 2nd half, Saquon Barkley ran all over us, and the game became a blowout. A win and some help can get the Commanders back in the postseason for the first time since 2020 and continue to put this franchise rebuild ahead of schedule. But it is one game at a time, so a look at the keys to beating a red-hot Eagles team that has won 10 straight games.
Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin need to keep it going. If they don’t miss on those couple of explosive plays, we are looking at a monster receiving game and 300 yards plus through the air for J5. When the opportunity presents itself for big plays, the two of them must take advantage and make the Eagles pay. Philadelphia watches the same game film we do, so of course, they will work to shut down the duo. In the last game, McLaurin was shut down for most of the game, but the offense didn’t run plays to get him the ball, either. He finished with one catch for 10 yards on TWO TARGETS.
That can’t happen again get the ball in your playmaker’s hands early and often. Zach Ertz most likely will not play this week, and he was a bright spot in the passing game, along with Austin Ekeler out of the backfield. John Bates must have his best game of the season and be a factor over the middle. As well as, rookie Ben Sinnott has a chance to show us what he got. Of course, I will have my eyes locked on the A.J. Brown vs Marshon Lattimore matchup!
Getting the run game rolling would be fantastic since it would keep that high-flying Eagles offense on the sidelines and keep the clock rolling. Heading into this game, Washington ranks 3rd in rushing. Brian Robinson is due for a nice game, softening up the Philly defense for play-action plays and opening up the middle. Last week’s episode of “As The Birds Turns” seems to be over, and A.J. Brown and Jalen Hurts lit up the Steelers’ secondary and will want to build off of the performance.
The Commanders’ offensive line needs to be MUCH better as they face some true dogs up front for the Eagles. If we had a tough time versus the Saints’ 2nd and 3rd stringers, this is cause for real concern. The defense is a big reason the birds are looking for win number 11 in a row they have a strong pass rush, and the secondary has improved since week 1.
Can we have a good 4th quarter performance? The Commanders have been outscored in the 4th a ton in the 2nd half of the season this trend needs to end yesterday. And don’t forget how we got blown out 20-8 last time we played the Eagles.
The way I see this game is that it is another opportunity to see where we stand versus the elite teams of the NFL. Everyone is dealing with injuries and wear and tear that’s not an excuse. This is phase one of the rebuild, and we are well ahead of schedule. Making the playoffs is a big step in the journey, and games like this show you what we are good at and what needs to be helped in the offseason. The fans have come back, and seeing this team talked about on a national stage has been cool. I always hope I end up being wrong when I pick against my squad, but using my football sense and not my fandom, I see this as a 31-21 Eagles win.
