The Commanders’ Week 5 shellacking of the Cleveland Browns wasn’t at the same time as shut because the 34-13 remaining rating indicated, and probably the most inspiring half was that the protection was simply as robust as Daniels and the offense. Washington sacked Deshaun Watson seven instances, practically doubling its season complete (eight) from the primary 4 weeks.
At this level, the query should be requested about how good this crew will be. What appeared prefer it was set to be a rebuilding season now appears like, on the naked minimal, one that can contend to win the NFC East. The Philadelphia Eagles (2-2) and Dallas Cowboys (3-2) are nonetheless robust models with high-end potential regardless of underwhelming begins, however Washington is perhaps proper there with them, if not a step above. That stated, let’s not increase the banner simply but.
It’s price noting that the Commanders have but to beat a crew with a successful document. Their victories have come towards groups which might be a mixed 6-14 on the season, whereas their lone loss was a lopsided 37-20 defeat to the 3-2 Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 1. Washington has, after all, improved since that loss, however by simply how a lot will likely be examined after they journey throughout the Beltway to face the high-flying Baltimore Ravens (3-2, winners of three straight) this Sunday.
Even when the Commanders can win that recreation, their true litmus check may not come till Week 11, after they journey to Philadelphia for a prime-time Thursday night time duel. That will likely be their first matchup towards a formidable divisional foe, and will probably be adopted by taking part in host to Dallas the subsequent week. 4 of Washington’s remaining seven video games will likely be towards the Eagles or Cowboys.
By that time within the season, groups can have enough samples of recreation movie to organize towards each other, and there will likely be nowhere to cover. Daniels will finally be pressured to hold the load in late-game, come-from-behind conditions, one thing else we have but to see. The one true nailbiter Washington has performed this season was in Week 2 towards the Giants when Austin Siebert’s seven discipline targets made the most important distinction.
The Commanders have proved that they’ll win in a number of other ways this season — with offense, with protection and with particular groups. That can make them a troublesome draw for any opponent and may give them a strong flooring of about eight or 9 wins, assuming they do not take any losses to groups they haven’t any enterprise dropping to. Even when Washington stumbles down the stretch within the essential divisional video games, the worst that may be stated is that they have loads to construct from in a 12 months that had no expectations.
Nevertheless, if Washington continues to enhance, answering their rivals’ changes whereas Daniels positive factors expertise going toe-to-toe with well-oiled machines, this season might develop into actually particular. We is perhaps discussing an NFC East crown and a possible deep playoff run.
