Support MTC Media by subscribing. Follow MTC Media on YouTube, X, IG, and Threads
How does an NFL team know it’s living the good life?
When a team loses a tough game in which the defense couldn’t get a stop over several possessions, the rhetoric has been mainly positive.
It’s an unfamiliar position for the Washington Commanders (4-2), but that’s where we are. The Commanders’ defense gave up scoring drives of 93, 78, and 94 yards in the 30-23 loss to Baltimore.
Washington has been the talk of the league, and as much as it might not feel like it but, Sunday’s home game against the Carolina Panthers (1-5) is a big one.
At 4-2, the Commanders lead the NFC East and have back-to-back home games against conference foes. It’s strange to say this, but Washington’s division and conference record could be in play.
The Panthers got a boost when veteran Andy Dalton replaced Bryce Young at quarterback. In Dalton’s first start of the season, he torched the Las Vegas Raiders, throwing for over 300 yards and three touchdowns. In the last three games, Dalton has thrown four touchdowns and four interceptions, all resulted in losses.
Washington will be looking to replace a couple of players on defense due to injury. In last week’s game, Jonathan Allen and Javontae Jean-Baptiste were injured and have been placed on Injured Reserve (IR).
On defense, the Panthers are near the bottom in total defense (28th), sacks (31st), and turnover differential (25th).
Washington should be able to exploit the defense over 60 minutes if patient.
The Commanders’ success against the Panthers’ defense starts with a solid running game. The Panthers give up an average of 153.5 yards rushing per game.
Brian Robinson Jr. missed the game against the Ravens, impacting Washington’s offense. It was reported that Robinson Jr. practiced on Wednesday so he may see some action on Sunday.
Washington wasn’t slated for success, and Jayden Daniels is a rookie quarterback. One of the big differences between college football and the NFL is that there aren’t any Louisiana-Monroes in the NFL. Daniels will need to improve as teams adjust Kliff Kingsbury’s playcalling.
The Commanders have back-to-back winnable home games that could get them to a 6-2 record in an average division. The team is ahead of the curve and could make a run to the playoffs. That will start with being mature enough to take care of a bad team like the Carolina Panthers.
