Riggo's Rag
FanSided

10 quick thoughts from Week 13 as Commanders and NY Giants settle for tie

By Jerry Trotta

EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 04: Jahan Dotson #1 of the Washington Commanders scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 04, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images)
EAST RUTHERFORD, NEW JERSEY - DECEMBER 04: Jahan Dotson #1 of the Washington Commanders scores a touchdown in the fourth quarter of a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium on December 04, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (Photo by Al Bello/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) catches the ball as Washington Commanders cornerback Christian Holmes (34) defends during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 4, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Giants wide receiver Darius Slayton (86) catches the ball as Washington Commanders cornerback Christian Holmes (34) defends during the first half at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

4. No OPI on Darius Slayton?

In previewing the game, our own Jonathan Eig mentioned Darius Slayton vs Christian Holmes as a matchup that favored the Giants. It didn’t take long for that to manifest itself, as Slayton beat the rookie corner deep for a 55-yard catch to inject new life in a previously anemic Giants offense.

As the ball arrived, though, Slayton nudged Holmes in the back, allowing the wideout to establish enough separation to haul in the prayer. Was this offensive pass interference, or should Holmes have played the ball better?

We’ve seen less contact called for OPI, that’s for sure.

5. Joey Slye deserves a multi-year extension

Fresh off winning NFC Special Teams Player of the Month, Slye came up huge for Washington on Sunday. Yes, he missed an extra point vs the Falcons that nearly cost the Commanders, but he built up enough equity to have one blunder. In the first half alone, he was responsible for seven points; two field goals and an XP.

Coming into the game, Slye converted 18-of-20 field goal attempts, including a perfect 3-of-3 from 50 yards and beyond, and 17-of-19 on extra points. He likely won’t get enough votes to make the Pro Bowl, but he’s well on his way to earning a multi-year extension from Washington before free agency.

Yes, we say this despite his missed 52-yarder.

6. What happened to the run defense?

Most fans assumed the Falcons game was an anomaly from a run defense perspective. Atlanta compiled 167 yards on nearly 6.0 yards per clip. On Sunday, however, Saquon Barkley and Daniel Jones, who once again turned into prime Michael Vick vs Washington, combined for 134 yards and a score on 4.3 yards per carry.

Not an encouraging sign, especially when you consider Barkley averaged 70 rushing yards for 3.6 YPC in the previous five games.

For whatever reason, the Commanders’ run defense has gone missing the last two weeks. Luckily, Ron Rivera and Jack Del Rio have the bye week to identify the problem and install a solution, because this isn’t sustainable with the final four games coming against the run-heavy Giants, Browns, 49ers and Cowboys.

Home/Commanders News