Sam Cosmi - Commanders OL
Sam Cosmi came out of his comfort zone after the Washington Commanders fell to an agonizing loss in Week 10. The stud right guard isn't the most comfortable public speaker, but he got up in front of his teammates to give a rousing speech about not losing belief despite the heartbreaking turn of events.
Cosmi also held himself accountable for a missed block in a key moment. He's experienced enough to shrug this off and maintain the extremely high standards he's set for himself. However, the former second-round pick out of Texas will be acutely aware of the test awaiting him on primetime.
The Commanders' interior offensive line must be on top of their respective games at the Philadelphia Eagles. Jordan Davis and Jalen Carter represent an almost immovable defensive tackle tandem. Cosmi must be forceful, disciplined, and not give an inch from the first whistle.
Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti are in the same boat as Cosmi. This trio has been a tremendous anchor for Washington's offense throughout their regular-season engagements so far. They need to continue this in no uncertain terms to prevent the pocket around Jayden Daniels from collapsing.
Benjamin St-Juste - Commanders CB
Benjamin St-Juste came in for scathing criticism from large sections of the fanbase after Week 10. The cornerback once again displayed his technical flaws and concentration issues in key moments. That won't go unnoticed by the Eagles as part of their pre-game strategizing.
St-Juste is a walking defensive pass interference penalty these days. Letting wide receiver Mike Williams blow by him untouched for the Pittsburgh Steelers' game-winning touchdown was the latest in a long line of errors. The former third-round selection remains resolute, but faith is rapidly diminishing around his long-term aspirations.
Philadelphia will smell this weakness from a mile away. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith are a devastating wideout tandem who've torched the Commanders frequently in recent years. If recently acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore cannot go due to a hamstring issue, the pressure on St-Juste will be enormous.
Expect the Eagles to attack the Minnesota product early and often. How St-Juste copes in a fine-margin situation could be the difference between success and failure for Washington when it's all said and done.