5 bold Washington Commanders predictions at the Eagles in Week 11
By Dean Jones
Ben Sinnott gains 50+ receiving yards
Dan Quinn recently revealed that the Washington Commanders' offensive playbook hasn't been implemented fully as yet. What better time to open things up than against the Philadelphia Eagles in a crucial road contest?
One player who could be the primary beneficiary of this hasn't been allocated any prominent targets as yet. The Commanders have taken their time with rookie tight end Ben Sinnott, bringing him along gradually and using him more from a blocking standpoint than anything else.
This was expected given the presence of Zach Ertz and John Bates. But if offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury has confidence in the former Kansas State standout, he might be a surprise the Eagles don't see coming in Week 11.
Sinnott will be more involved at some stage. The Commanders selected him at No. 53 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft with a view to him becoming a complete package over time. Ertz's regression as a punishing season begins to take its toll could mean more involvement in the passing attack on a short week.
The first-year pro has three receptions from as many targets for 18 receiving yards and one touchdown so far. Getting Sinnott over 50 receiving yards is an ambitious yet attainable goal.
Commanders hold Saquon Barkley under 100 yards from scrimmage
Saquon Barkley is a superstar. He's made the New York Giants pay for not giving him a new deal, joining the division rival Eagles and displaying the exceptional all-around production that's spearheaded their surge to a 7-2 record through nine games.
The Commanders must be wary of Philadelphia's prolific wide receiver duo of A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith. However, defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.'s primary mission will be to restrict Barkley's influence. That could be easier said than done unless everyone executes their assignments with supreme conviction.
Barkley's been one of the league's best dual-threat running backs from the moment he came into the NFL. He's already amassed 1,149 yards from scrimmage with eight touchdowns this season. That's a remarkable accomplishment from someone the Giants deemed unworthy of a long-term commitment.
The former Penn State star has failed to reach 100 yards from scrimmage twice this season. They were both in blowouts against the Dallas Cowboys and Cleveland Browns where his touches were limited. That won't be the case this time around.
If the Commanders can hold Barkley to under 100 all-purpose yards, that's a huge step in the right direction. Whether it'll be enough to win considering the problems within the secondary is another matter.