5 Commanders players on the hot seat entering Week 11 at the Eagles
By Dean Jones
This is a big game feel in more ways than one. It's a divisional clash for the Washington Commanders. It also happens to be on primetime with significant ramifications attached.
The Commanders need to bounce back positively from their home loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Dan Quinn's men have proven capable of this previously this season, but the Philadelphia Eagles won't be doing them any favors as they look to cement their status atop the NFC East.
Philadelphia responded from a rocky start to win its last five games. They have an outstanding recent record versus the Commanders. Couple this with the game being on Thursday Night Football in one of the league's most hostile environments, it's hard to envisage a bigger test.
Expectations have increased for the Commanders. Not many fans would have held out hope in this contest last season. That's not the case anymore, so the pressure is on to produce and lay down another marker that this is a team to be taken seriously.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players firmly on the hot seat entering Week 11 at Lincoln Financial Field.
Commanders players on the hot seat entering Week 11 at Eagles
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE
Dorance Armstrong Jr. was a marquee signing in free agency. The Washington Commanders thought he could evolve into a legitimate edge rushing threat from a starting role after shining on the Dallas Cowboys defensive line rotation under Dan Quinn. It's been relatively encouraging so far, but this is another challenge entirely.
Armstrong has just three sacks in nine games. That's not the entire story, with the player demonstrating real prowess against the run and creating pressure that doesn't necessarily show up on the stat sheet. His outstanding 76.2 grade from Pro Football Focus is a testament to this.
The former fourth-round selection out of Kansas needs to take this up a notch in Week 11. Philadelphia's ground game is feared and prolific quarterback Jalen Hurts can make things happen under center. Armstrong must maintain his gap discipline while also finding opportunities to make life uncomfortable for the signal-caller in obvious pass-rushing situations.
Washington needs Armstrong at the peak of his powers in this one. After all, performing well in this sort of pressure cooker is what separates the great players from the good.