Washington Commanders Football is back and for or better or for worse the games will be played. This game will dictate if Washington can beat a pretty down and out division rival or let growing internal issues possibly end the Dan Quinn era in Washington. I am not here for the Jayden Daniels think pieces (has he been perfect no, is he the reason the team is losing absolutely not,) but here for the overall state of the franchise. This was supposed to be the year the team was built to give Jayden Daniels all the help and talent but that hasn’t happened. What has gone wrong? Who is to blame? Let’s play the blame game.
1. Adam Peters
Adam Peters addressed certain position groups but not others. The linebackers and wide receivers rooms are much better than they have been previously. However not adequately addressing the offensive line and defensive backs has ultimately cost the team. You could not have foreseen losing your all world left tackle Laremy Tunsil, but the left guard and center were misses. Peters had a lot of money to address concerns and honestly he could have done much better. If trades do happen soon, let’s see if Washington accrues talent or picks, then that is the direction of the sesason.
2. Dan Quinn
If Adam Peters buys the groceries, the Dan Quinn is the chef and right not the food isn’t good (I’ve always loved a good food analogy.) Good chefs know how to overcome bad or not top line ingredients but Quinn hasn’t helped others or himself. Starting with hiring two rookie coordinators and not giving them supports. That is just a recipe for disaster. While neither coordinator has been totally bad, they have had bad moments which have contributed to losses. Part of those mistakes is Quinn himself not being the overall leader and giving direction at crucial moments. From the two point conversion against the Eagles, to the before the half in Dallas, to choices in the London game, to the tie against the Giants, and gaffe against the 49ers. That is too many mistakes from an NFL veteran who is not calling any plays. The players love him but they want to win more.
3. The Players
At the end of the day the players are the ones on the field and their mistakes have cost the team at the worst moments. The amount of pre snap penalties from lining up wrong or false starts have been staggering. Washington is averaging 9 penalties called against them a game. Those are not always accepted but the reputation is out there which Washington does not get the beneficiary of the close calls. Also what’s not been said is the locker room is missing two hall of famers in Zach Ertz and Bobby Wagner. That leadership cannot be replaced
How To Beat The Eagles
1. Stop Saquon
Common sense and he is the Eagles primary offensive weapon left. In the first game Washington controlled him with the exception of one play. If they duplicate that performance Washington should be in great shape.
2. Run the Ball
Committing to the run must be on Washington’s agenda. Including a few runs for Jayden Daniels, attack the front of the Eagles. Dallas was able to six days ago and Washington should be able to as well.
3. Be the Aggressor
Washington needs to impose themselves on a reeling Eagles team. IF this team has any serious aspirations for this season Washington must attack and not let up. Coming off of a bye Washington should be fresher. Now let’s see how serious Washington is.
Prediction
I see a slow game to start but a Washington multiple score win. Commanders 27, Eagles 13.
