Has the love fallen off Washington’s peddles?
As we get closer to the playoffs, more pundits scrutinize how Washington has won games with two in mind.
The Hail Mary win over Chicago and last Sunday’s win in the final seconds over the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles lost starting quarterback Jalen Hurts early in the game. That, along with the Commanders’ five turnovers, has caused some to raise a red flag about how far this team can go in the playoffs.
If there’s a professional league that you don’t have to apologize for winning a game, it’s the NFL. Washington isn’t the first time to get some favorable bounces along the way to an unexpectedly good season.
This week, the Commanders will have a chance to clinch a playoff spot when they face the Falcons in Landover.
Turnovers: The five turnovers can’t be ignored, especially Brian Robinson Jr.’s two fumbles. If Washington wants to make a run in the playoffs, they will need Robinson Jr. and the running game to be clicking.
Atlanta’s rookie quarterback, Michael Penix Jr., is making his second career start, and Washington doesn’t need to help him with a short field.
Second Target: Washington needs to continue to develop a bonified second target behind Terry McLaurin at wide receiver.
Zaccheaus’ targets (15) and receptions (11) have risen in the last three weeks.
Dyami Brown has also seen that trend. During the same time span, Brown had 14 targets and 11 receptions.
Washington can expect opposing defenses to continue to roll coverages toward McLaurin.
Pressure Penix Jr.: Washington’s defense needs to respond from making Kenny Pickett look like a credible starter in the league.
Now, the Commanders’ defense has a rookie quarterback in front of them in a game that means something to this team. This is the perfect time to pressure Penix Jr. into making bad decisions.
