Sunday is the biggest game for the Washington football franchise in over 30 years. There is nothing that can compare to the magnitude of this game in recent memory, except for, of course, the game one week prior that sent the Commanders – in Dan Quinn's first year as head coach and Adam Peters' first year as general manager and Josh Harris' first (full) year as owner – one win from making the Super Bowl.
Standing in Washington's way from cementing themselves as the NFL's ultimate team of dystany this year is the Philadelphia Eagles. A formidible foe that has already notched two playoff wins this year of their own. And played in – and won – the NFC Championship Game just two season's ago.
For Kevin Sheehan, there are three keys to the game, and the first two are pretty obvious.
First, Washington must be the team mentally with the "anybody, anywhere, any time" belief that permeates from every single player on every single play and
And second: "You've gotta win on Sunday with, once again, explosive and clean offensive football," Sheehan said. "This plays out in quick game, passing game against their zone coverage. I think the quarterback has to be involved in the running game, I think this is handling of Jalen Carter and not letting hin ruin the game. He's not the only one that can ruin the game, but he probably is right now if not the best interior defensive lineman, in the top two or three in the game. He's a dominant, dominant player and Washington is hurting with the loss of Sam Cosmi.... how they handle that will be huge."
Of course, in that second key, the spine through the middle of the Eagles' defense is crucial, but the thing that will keep you awake with anticipation until Sunday evening and kickoff. Washington's ace in the hole and the player most responsible for this year's turnaround is rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.
"I think this is Jayden's game," Sheehan said. "He's rushed the ball 29 times in these two playoff games. He is going for it. He understands the moment."
Sheehan continued: "This guy is going to live and breathe and be the moment. He's been that in these two games. The 29 rushing attempts he's had in these two games, the most he's had back-to-back all year. You don't think he understands how much he knows this team needs him to carry it? 13 carries against Tampa, 16 last week.
"This is do or die, there's no tomorrow, I don't care what kind of runs he makes. I want him to protect himself, of course. But if it's 4th-and-2, you're not worrying about protecting yourself [at the expense of converting] and he won't. His playmaking, his clutch factor, he's the No. 1 in this game.
"If he plays like he's played 95 percent of the time this year, Washington is not scoring less than 24. And that puts them into probable winning area."
Of course, No. 3 is about stopping Saquon Barkley, No. 4 is the Washington defense forcing at least one 3-and-out and No. 5 is about which place kicker avoids a crucial mistake.
Catch the full take from Kevin on the audio player above!