The Washington Commanders might be 1-3 through the first month of the campaign, but the turmoil in the NFC East means they are not out of the fight yet.
Their Week 5 game against the New York Giants was already a must-win situation. After the Dallas Cowboys lost to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Thursday Night Football, it's even more important now.
Amid the divisional chaos, the Giants have separated themselves from the pack. That may not last long, but head coach John Harbaugh's squad will feel confident getting one over on the Commanders on the way to 4-1.
The Commanders are dealing with some injury issues, though they are getting some key men back. Those returning faces include quarterback Jayden Daniels, who is confident of playing with no limitations after missing the last two contests with a dislocated elbow.
Time will tell on that. But if the Commanders want to achieve success, it must be a collective effort.
With that in mind, here are seven Commanders players under pressure to deliver in Week 5 as their fortunes hang in the balance.
Washington Commanders players under pressure to deliver before the season slips away
Brandon Coleman - Commanders OT
Even though the New York Giants have lost star edge rusher Brian Burns to a season-ending torn ACL, they still have plenty of firepower that must be taken care of. Abdul Carter, Arvell Reese, and Kayvon Thibodeaux can turn the tide in any game when they generate early momentum, so the offensive line must raise its production with Jayden Daniels back in the fold.
Brandon Coleman's role is integral. He moved back to the blindside after five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil suffered a torn triceps at training camp, and he's done relatively well in difficult circumstances.
Coleman has limitations, of course. His run blocking can be subpar, and his ability to recover when he loses leverage needs refinement. However, there has been far more good than bad so far, and this trend must continue at Northwest Stadium this weekend.
Getting Sam Cosmi back onto the interior will only help. But with Chris Paul struggling in pass protection, Coleman has more responsibility than most. And if the Giants attack the left-hand side as a potential weak link, he must meet fire with fire.
Anything less, and the Commanders have a big problem on their hands. But fortunately, Coleman has shown enough to potentially put in another good display when it matters most.
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