The Washington Commanders are back in action this weekend, and it's another crucial divisional matchup they simply have to win.
Head coach Dan Quinn's squad must manage the prime-time spotlight against the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday Night Football. Fortunately for Washington, this isn't the same team they lost to in Week 1.
Quarterback Jalen Hurts is out for the season. Several other key men aren't available, and the Eagles are currently on a five-game losing run after a promising start. The Commanders should see this as a winnable game, and the repercussions could be severe if they cannot get the job done.
Pressure is growing on Quinn. The trade deadline is approaching, so a loss could force general manager Adam Peters into selling mode. The stakes couldn't be much higher, and the heat is on almost everyone.
With this in mind, here are eight Commanders on the hot seat (for differing reasons) on Sunday Night Football against the Eagles.
Washington Commanders on the hot seat entering a do-or-die game against the Philadelphia Eagles
Daronte Jones - Commanders DC
Growing concern surrounds defensive coordinator Daronte Jones. His defense has shown promise, though they haven't put together four quarters yet. But with Steve Wilks now on the staff, his approach is under extra scrutiny.
Wilks was supposedly in as a consultant but not part of the game-day staff. Those plans have changed, which is reportedly just another pair of experienced eyes for Jones to lean on.
Sounds good, in theory. But it shows how much pressure the Commanders are under to win.
Jones will never get a better shot to alleviate some growing doubts. The Eagles are undermanned on offense, which is being kind. Running back Saquon Barkley and wide receiver DeVonta Smith are unlikely to feature, so the Commanders have to dominate this matchup on home soil.
Nothing else will do.
Treylon Burks - Commanders WR
The Commanders cannot rely on Terry McLaurin, who is out for the rest of 2026 with a torn patellar tendon. They'll have to make the best of a bad situation, and this is a good time to see what the younger wideouts can do with more responsibility.
Treylon Burks is among those who could get more targets. The 2022 first-round pick out of Arkansas has flashed brief promise this season, especially when McLaurin went out against the San Francisco 49ers. This is encouraging, but what comes next is even more crucial.
Burks has always had the physical tools. Stringing together consistent performances has been his biggest stumbling block, but the Commanders will give him a chance to shine from a prominent role moving forward.
And if Burks wants to cement his long-term outlook in Washington, he has to seize it.
Add us as a preferred source on Google