5 biggest negatives for the Commanders vs Eagles

The Washington Commanders are now stuck in a two game losing streak and they are hoping to find the opening day winning formula against the Dallas Cowboys this week.

The Washington Commanders hit a new low on Sunday after a humiliating home loss to their division rival from the “City of Brotherly Love”, the Philadelphia Eagles.  Fans are full of anger, frustration, and sheer disbelief.  After an inspirational comeback victory in the first game of the season, the Commanders have simply been overmatched and overwhelmed during the last two weeks.

In Sunday’s home game against the Eagles, the Burgundy and Gold produced a forgettable second quarter and that fifteen-minute period dictated the outcome – a 24-8 embarrassment.  As painful as it is, we have arrived at our five negatives for the week.  The grades will be fair.  The analysis will be honest.  The tears will continue to flow.  We also have a prediction for the next game.

5 negatives for the Commanders in Week 3

1. Our first negative this week is the offensive line, especially the center.  Wes Schweitzer is a superb backup guard, but his snaps consistently hampered the offense on Sunday.  The line gave up an astonishing nine sacks and quarterback Carson Wentz had numerous troubles all afternoon – it is entirely on the offensive line.

2. Coaching.  It needs to be mentioned.  The team failed to perform in the first half of the Lions game.  On Sunday, the team struggled mightily in the second quarter.  For three quarters, Washington outscored the Eagles 8-0.  However, they were pummeled 24-0 in the second quarter.  Nine sacks.  Defensive breakdowns.  Failure to throw the challenge flag in a timely fashion.  Leadership from the coaching staff is lacking and it is our second negative.

3. The defensive secondary is our third negative for the week.  Giving up big passing plays on a regular basis has doomed Washington over the last two weeks.  Kendall Fuller was making rookie-type mistakes.  Rookie Christian Holmes was schooled on several occasions.  The team was missing an injured William Jackson this week, but it is not an excuse.  Look for cornerback to be a priority in the 2023 draft.

4. For the second week in a row, offseason planning contributed to these losses and it can still be rectified.  It’s time to sign guard Ereck Flowers and safety/linebacker Landon Collins.  It won’t fix the problems on either side of the ball, but re-signing both players would help at this juncture.

5.  Washington’s fifth negative for the week is something that is a bit unusual for our weekly analysis – outside distractions.  An uncalled-for “hit piece” aimed at Carson Wentz before the game and the constant negativity directed at him from the media is certainly way over the top.  Unfortunately, it will not end based on certain narratives.

Additional Negatives: Rushing offense, fan attendance at FedEx Field, Carson Wentz, Red zone offense.

Grades for Commanders vs. Detroit

• Quarterbacks – Grade: C-
• Running Backs – Grade: C
• Tight Ends – Grade: F
• Wide Receivers – Grade: C+
• Offensive Line – Grade: F
• Defensive Line – Grade: C+
• Linebackers – Grade: C-
• Cornerbacks – Grade: F
• Safeties – Grade: D-
• Special Teams – Grade: A
• Coaches – Grade: F

Commanders should address these issues

• The red zone offense failed to score a touchdown on two visits to the red zone in the second half.  A late touchdown was too little, too late.
• The defensive secondary continues to be a liability.  Simple adjustments can be made.  St-Juste should be playing on the outside from this day forward.  Bobby McCain should move to the slot.  Move Darrick Forrest deeper for two deep safety sets on obvious passing downs.  Move Kendall Fuller to free safety.
• The front office needs to realize that Eagles and Cowboys fans tend to pack FedEx Field for home games.  On Monday through Wednesday, team personnel should be stationed throughout the DMV and tickets should be sold at a massive discount for these two games each year.  Also, parking fees should be waved for both games.  It’s time to make the home field advantage count for something.
• Here is another solid suggestion:

Commanders Next Game Prediction, Final Thoughts

Washington travels on Sunday to face the Dallas Cowboys.  Starting the season 0-2 in the division is certainly possible.

Cowboys 27 Commanders 21

Many fans are calling for the coaching staff to be fired.  At the very least, head coach Ron Rivera seems to be the main target.  That is akin to saying the season is over and nothing could be further from the truth.  It’s time for a chill pill.

The Commanders need a victory – it can cure so much of what ails a team.  We’ll be back for more of the same next week, but hopefully with better results.  See you as we go along.