The Washington Commanders have 10 days to right themselves. Otherwise, they’ll become another late-season flameout.
The 1997 Redskins opened 7-1 before losing six of their next seven to miss the playoffs. The 2002 Washington team opened 6-2 before losing five of its next six and missing the postseason.
It happens, but with a soft late schedule and four home games, there’s no reason why Washington can’t shake consecutive losses to the Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles and still make the postseason. The NFC East title looks like the Eagles' to lose, but Washington could be a high wild card and host a first-round game.
If the Commanders beat Dallas Cowboys on Nov. 24, that is. Despite being 10-point favorites, Washington needs some serious rebooting beforehand.
Coach Dan Quinn should send players home over the weekend. Let them have an early Thanksgiving with family and friends and forget football. This team looks tired and its bye week isn’t until Dec. 8. It’s like the team has exhaled despite Quinn’s claim they’re warriors looking for revenge. Well, that didn’t happen in Philadelphia, where the defense melted late for the second straight game.
Quarterback Jayden Daniels doesn’t look right. He says the rib injury is fine, but his recent play doesn’t pass the smell test. Players will always say they’re fine. After all, how many times have you been sick or hurt and brushed everyone away with “I’m fine" to get them off your back?
Coaches should consider resting Daniels for the short term so he’s ready for the final push. There’s no shame in hitting a midseason wall. The NFL is demanding and plenty of rookies tail off. Washington can’t afford Daniels to be one, but his effort at Philadelphia suggests something is wrong.
Maybe it was a case of playing two playoff teams this week behind a battered line that needs rest, too. Perhaps teams are starting to figure out this offense. Either way, it all starts with deciding whether Daniels is truly ready for Dallas, or playing Marcus Mariota for a game or two.
The defensive meltdowns have been annoying, but not why Washington has lost two straight. They’re drained by the late third quarter after the Steelers and Eagles wore them down via time of possession. The offensive dominance earlier this season protected the defense from prolonged effort. Just another reason why the offense must regroup to spell the defense.
Is the “Kingsbury Kliff” a real thing for the offensive coordinator with less success after midseason through his career? Hard to say yet, but there wasn’t much inspired play calling against Philadelphia.
Washington needs a reboot across the field. It starts with simply decompressing for a few days and then hoping a fresh take will take them to the postseason.