The most likely path the Washington Commanders could take to the playoffs is to lose against the Philadelphia Eagles before beating the Atlanta Falcons and Dallas Cowboys. That would leave them at 11-6 and almost certainly with a place in the postseason.
Under this scenario, the Eagles’ game is not a must-win. But how nice would it be to put an end to a rival’s 10-game win streak and significantly strengthen your playoff position?
Getting a victory will not be easy. Philadelphia is playing just about the best football in the entire league right now. They have no obvious weaknesses to attack.
The mini soap opera that seemed to be brewing a few weeks ago between quarterback Jalen Hurts and star wide receiver A.J. Brown is a non-story — at least for now. The Eagles have among the best offensive and defensive lines in the league, as well as dangerous skill position players. It’s a very tough formula to beat.
The Commanders, even during their recent doldrums, have tended to play Philadelphia tough. Last year, they were involved in two close shootouts. Just over a month ago, Washington held a lead going into the fourth quarter of their first meeting. The Eagles stormed past them with three touchdowns at the business end of the contest.
Can Dan Quinn and company avoid a similar fate at home this Sunday? To pull the upset, Washington needs to solve these three problems.
Problems the Commanders must solve entering Week 16 vs. Eagles
Turning up the heat on Saquon Barkley
This is a no-brainer.
The Washington Commanders' defense did an excellent job on Saquon Barkley through the first three quarters. He had carried the ball 20 times for just 70 rushing yards. Then, in the fourth quarter, the damn burst.
Barkley had six carries for 76 yards and two long touchdowns in the fourth quarter. He put the game away with a 39-yard cutback scamper that took advantage of the Commanders’ over-pursuit.
One thing that could favor Washington this go-around is the presence of cornerback Marshon Lattimore. He may not make a lot of tackles, but his return from injury should allow Joe Whitt Jr. to devote more resources to stopping the Eagles' running attack.
If Jeremy Chinn (should he clear concussion protocol) does not have to worry too much about providing deep cover on A.J. Brown, he can play more in the box and help shut down Barkley.
The other hidden key to slowing Barkley is the play of journeymen backup defensive tackles Sheldon Day and Jalyn Holmes. That's because it was clear Washington’s defense simply wore out by the fourth quarter on Thursday Night Football.
Barkley wasn’t the only runner gashing them. Backup Kenneth Gainwell had big runs as well. Day and Holmes — who had his best game of the season against the New Orleans Saints — need to spell starters Daron Payne and Johnny Newton. This ensures the entire defense can be as fresh as possible late in the game.