David Blough - Commanders OC
The Washington Commanders placed a lot of confidence in offensive coordinator David Blough this offseason. He was a first-year player-caller but was widely respected as one of the next great innovative minds in the NFL, so those in power took the plunge after firing Kliff Kingsbury.
Through the first half of 2026, things haven't quite gone according to plan.
Blough is going through growing pains, as quarterback Jayden Daniels has acknowledged. His management of in-game situations has come under fire, as has the coordinator's inability to adjust to what's unfolding.
Some things are easily correctable. The tackles are struggling, so get them more help. Don't abandon the running game so easily; it provides balance and gives Daniels more comfort without having to be the hero.
And most importantly, keep a cool head in crunch time.
Sounds simple, in theory. Whether Blough can accomplish these objectives is another matter.
Odafe Oweh - Commanders OLB
The Commanders are getting solid enough production from edge rusher Odafe Oweh. But they are not paying for merely solid production.
Washington gave Oweh a four-year, $96 million contract in free agency. General manager Adam Peters was expecting him to take a massive leap into one of the league's best edge performers. That hasn't happened yet, and Daronte Jones is being used more as part of a committee than as a focal point.
That's fine. But again, it's not what the Commanders are paying for.
They need Oweh to dominate. They need him to turn in the sort of performances that can turn games on their head. And the sooner that happens, the better Washington's chances will be.
Big games need big players. Oweh has to step up, and it starts with putting Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy under immense pressure from start to finish.
McCarthy is the hot name, but he remains inexperienced and vulnerable. Oweh has to seize the advantage and force the signal-caller into mistakes.
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels has taken more criticism this week for his game management late in tight contests. The quarterback is brushing it off, confident in his own ability. But there are definite problems that must be rectified for the Commanders to get their season back on track.
Washington needs Daniels at his very best at MetLife Stadium. The prime-time lights will be shining, and he will have the NFL's undivided attention. This is when the former Arizona State standout typically puts on a show, but the Giants will not be doing him any favors.
Daniels has had a lot of joy against the Giants throughout his career. The signal-caller also needs to exorcise the ghosts of their first meeting after an overtime botch cost the Commanders a chance at victory.
Everyone is talking a good game. Now, it's finally time for them to deliver in a make-or-break clash on the road.
That also goes for Daniels, whose every move will be scrutinized in this one.
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