5 Commanders reality checks for Week 13 against the NY Giants

4. The Reality Is, Sam Cosmi should give the OL another boost.

The offensive line has dramatically improved over the first few weeks of this season…from monumentally bad to average. Especially in pass protection, this unit still leaves much to be desired. They deserve a lot of credit for getting this moving in a respectable direction, but inserting Cosmi at right guard should give the unit yet another boost, as he is the most athletic lineman on the team, and could pair with Lucas to make for an above-average right side of the line in pass protection, and potentially an elite duo in the run game.

Look for the Cosmi to be used on a few screens and to be the puller in a few run plays as well. Most importantly, look for Heinicke to have enough time to make it through his progressions at a higher clip than he has the last few weeks.

3. The Reality Is, Daniel Jones is much improved.

I’ve enjoyed clowning on Daniel Jones as much as the next guy, and deservedly so up to this point in his career. But this season, under Brian Daboll and company, Jones has significantly cut down on his turnovers — just four interceptions and two lost fumbles — and has been a top-10 quarterback in QBR.

Washington had better not be underestimating Jones’ feet or his arm. Having played back-to-back QBs who don’t possess NFL-caliber throwing talent, it would be easy for this defense to be lulled into thinking Jones fits right in that mold…and maybe he does…but so far this season, he has bucked that trend.

If Washington is properly prepared to face Jones, they will attack him with the defensive end in any read-option situations, and will mix up their coverages on the back end. He’s not Patrick Mahomes, but he’s no Davis Mills either…Jones will be a tough challenge for the Commanders’ defense.