3 keys to the Commanders upsetting the Eagles in Week 3

1. Avoid the slow start

It has been a trend that has held true for Ron Rivera and the Commanders: they are prone to sleepy starts. Whether that is going 2-7 in 2020, and 2-6 in 2021, or starting slow in games in general, the Commanders are prone to slow starts.

Scoring two touchdowns on both drives to start the season, and jumping out to a 14-3 lead like they did against the Jaguars is more of an anomaly.

Against a more talented, and well-functioning operation at the moment, a “fast start” may be a tough ask. However, avoid falling into an early 10-0 deficit, or getting boat-raced 22-0 in the first half, can be avoided.

The Eagles are far too talented for the Commanders to bank on having the ability to successfully complete a comeback following a nonchalant start. The Commanders will need to be ready to go out of the gate against the Eagles.

The Vikings put themselves in an early 24-7 deficit and could’ve made it a close game in the second half, but the Eagles’ defense tightened up in the red zone.

When the clock reaches zeroes in the second quarter, the game needs to be close. The Commanders’ coaching staff tends, at least on the outside, to be more reactive than proactive. They are a coaching staff that is excellent at pushing the right levers and buttons at halftime, to adjust to their opponent.

Relying on that against the Eagles may not be so kind, however.