5 biggest positives for Commanders vs the Eagles

The Washington Commanders shocked the football world on Monday night in Philadelphia and are now in a prime position to make a legitimate playoff run over the next several weeks.

The odds were stacked against the Commanders.  Very few analysts believed it could happen.  Fans were very skeptical.  By late Monday evening, the Burgundy and Gold upset the previously unbeaten Eagles, 32-21, in what is arguably their best game of the 2022 season.  Washington has now won four of their last five games, and the playoffs are a realistic option after starting the season with an abysmal record of 1-4.

Welcome to this week’s analysis of the Monday night game.  We’ll keep things a bit abbreviated in this short football week, but the positive vibes should bring happiness to every Commanders fan and taking some time to enjoy it all is to be expected.  In addition to the five positives, we will grade each unit and the coaches, award four game balls, and give you a prediction for Sunday’s game against the Texans.  Let’s plow right into the fun and excitement!

5 positives for the Commanders against the Eagles

1. Our first positive of the week is head coach Ron Rivera.  It has been a difficult period of time for him with the loss of his mother a couple of weeks ago.  The victory was a moment to cherish for coach Rivera and while it would not bring her back, the team gave him a special gift.

2. The second positive is probably the most obvious – quarterback Taylor Heinicke.  The former Old Dominion star made timely plays when it counted, including an incomplete pass that sailed beyond the line of scrimmage.  The ball was snapped over his head and Washington could’ve lost more than twenty yards on the play.  The drive ended with a Brian Robinson touchdown.

3. When Darrick Forrest was drafted in the fifth round last year, most fans knew little about him.  After a forgettable first season, Forrest has turned into one of the best safeties in the league.  He shined Monday evening with a key interception, a pass defended, six tackles, and a much-needed fumble recovery late in the fourth quarter.

4. Joey Slye easily makes our list this week with a perfect night.  He connected on field goals of 58, 55, 44, and 32 yards.  In addition to connecting on all four field goal attempts, Slye was 100% on both extra point attempts.

5. Brian Robinson continues to improve each week and Monday’s game was the best so far.  With 86 tough yards and the go-ahead touchdown (a lead that Washington did not relinquish), Robinson easily earns our fifth positive of the week.

Grades for Commanders vs. Philadelphia

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

Awarding four game balls to deserving Commanders

• The first game ball goes to Terry McLaurin.  With eight catches for 128 yards on eleven targets, the former Buckeye standout was a key factor in keeping drives alive for most of the game.  His forty-one yard reception on the boundary in the third quarter was another masterpiece.  The drive ended with a Joey Slye field goal.

• The second game ball is awarded to offensive coordinator Scott Turner.  By committing to the running game and dominating the time of possession, the Commanders clearly out-coached the Eagles in Week 10.
• Our third game ball is given to Benjamin St-Juste.  His forced fumble of Eagles receiver Quez Watkins late in the fourth quarter helped to seal a Commanders victory.
• The fourth game ball goes to defensive tackle John Ridgeway.  He had a forced fumble in the fourth quarter against Eagles tight end Dallas Goedert.  Joey Slye added a field goal several plays later.
• Honorable Mention – Brian Robinson, Montez Sweat, Taylor Heinicke, Jamin Davis, Joey Slye, Darrick Forrest, Casey Toohill, and Antonio Gibson.

Commanders Next Game Prediction, Final Thoughts

The Commanders will continue to travel – they will be in Houston to take on the Texans this Sunday.  Will Washington make it five victories in the last six games?

Commanders 30 Texans 17

KJ Record: 4-6

Joey Slye is now 13-15 on field goals this season and he has connected on three of them for more than fifty yards. Chase Young is set to return this week. Will the coaching staff continue to roll with Heinicke or give the job back to Carson Wentz?

We’ll return after the Texans game.  See you as we go along.