A lot of blame can go around as the Washington Commanders sit at 1-4-1 on their bye week. Some real soul-searching is needed, but they might not be out of the fight just yet thanks to the disgraceful situation around the NFC East.
But one NFL insider believes the arrogance of general manager Adam Peters and others in the front office will prevent a trade deadline fire sale from coming to fruition, even if their losing run continues before the transaction cut-off point.
The Commanders will wait and see how things develop over the next two games before the trade deadline. They have winnable home games against the Philadelphia Eagles and Los Angeles Rams — two teams struggling despite coming into the campaign as legitimate Super Bowl contenders.
Commanders' post-bye results could define Adam Peters' trade deadline stance
If they don't win any of those, the season is likely done with. And that's when Peters should consider recouping assets for a potential head-coaching change at season's end.
This seems like the most realistic outcome. But not everyone believes that Peters will admit defeat on his failed project in this scenario.
FanSided insider Jason La Canfora doesn't think the Commanders will make the desired improvements. He also believes Peters and others in positions of power will be too proud to trade away veteran pieces, even if they've achieved almost nothing for two years.
"This team is an accident that will keep happening over and over. They will get some interesting phone calls ahead of the trade deadline. Probably far too proud to do the right thing and move older pieces. Lot of hubris in a front office that hasn’t accomplished anything."
Whether this theory becomes reality is debatable.
Peters probably won't like having to sell off tradable pieces. He must also see this situation for what it is, especially if the Commanders cannot generate any positive momentum after the bye.
Adam Peters cannot let pride get in the way of smart decisions
This is the way forward. If the Commanders are 1-6-1, it doesn't matter who is on the schedule the rest of the way, and it won't matter how moribund the division is.
The race will be run.
Anything less than at least considering outgoing trades at this point is organizational malpractice.
Peters' supposed ego cannot get in the way of smart decisions. The Commanders have too many long-term ambitions for that, though this would mean they have all but given up on head coach Dan Quinn's ability to turn things around.
The Commanders will wait and see. If they can salvage a win or maybe even two after their extended rest, the picture changes completely.
If not, then the Commanders may have to hit the reset button and stockpile picks heading into another pivotal offseason.
It will be a crossroads moment for Peters. La Canfora was scathing in his criticism, but actions will speak far louder than any words in this scenario. And the Commanders aren't going to give away good players for the sake of it.
Time will tell on all fronts. But Peters' decisions will have significant ramifications.
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