3 keys to the Commanders upsetting the Eagles in Week 3

The Washington Commanders are looking to bounce back from their Week 2 loss, in their first of back-to-back matchups against division rivals, as they are set to face the Philadelphia Eagles at FedEx Field. The Eagles are favored by nearly a touchdown (-6.5) so Philly is the clear favorites.

After an impressive start, many are saying that the Eagles are one of the contenders in the NFL. Many think the Commanders are a volatile team that cannot be trusted on a week-to-week basis.

Naturally, most expect the Eagles to win, and some expect it to happen in convincing fashion. The Commanders would most likely double-digit road dogs. The oddsmakers, as well as the public expect the Eagles to run away with the NFC East. The Commanders have a chance to throw a wrench into those predictions on Sunday, though.

3 keys to a Commanders upset win over the Eagles in Week 3

3. Force Turnovers

The Commanders’ defense has been poor to start the year once again. The debate of whether it is a lack of talent, poor scheming, arrogant coaching, lack of communication, or anything else is a debate for a different. As the matter of fact is this defense isn’t very good for the Commanders right now. And I don’t expect that to change.

Kam Curl is expected to make his first start of the season so that should help. However, his addition may not do much to fix the schematic week-to-week problems this defense has. It’d be foolish to expect otherwise.

So instead of focusing on things the Commanders can do schematically different, or what different personnel will provide, the focus should be on forcing negative plays and turnovers. The Eagles will get their yards. Jalen Hurts will scamper for a few frustrating first downs.

The weapons will make plays and AJ Brown will probably continue to be the bell cow of the Eagles’ offense. Washington simply needs to start being more opportunistic. They have one turnover in two games. Benjamin St-Juste dropped an interception last week, and William Jackson III was in a position to make a play before slipping on Amon-Ra St. Brown’s first touchdown.

The Commanders and their coaching staff seem content with keeping everything underneath and allowing yards. Force the quarterback to be patient and pounce when he is not. At least that is what the ideal world is where the Commanders don’t have defensive miscommunications. If that is their plan, though, then they have to begin to execute on the latter part of that statement.

Whether that is a forced fumble, interception or a turnover on downs, the Commanders need to begin to giving their offense extra possessions.