The Washington Commanders are entering a must-win game at the New Orleans Saints in Week 15. Dan Quinn's men still possess playoff destiny in their hands. That will all change if they don't emerge victorious versus the NFC South outfit on the road.
With the Los Angeles Rams now sitting at 8-6 following their hard-fought win over the San Francisco 49ers on Thursday Night Football, the Commanders are under pressure. They've handled most challenges this season effectively. This is also a journey into the relative unknown for a roster unrecognizable from the one that concluded 2023 under previous head coach Ron Rivera.
The Saints won't have veteran quarterback Derek Carr, but they still have dangerous players on both sides of the football who can hurt the Commanders. Former Washington defensive end Chase Young will be out to make his old employers pay. Running back Alvin Kamara should be the focus of Joe Whitt Jr.'s preparations on defense.
It's a high-stakes situation that some within the Commanders haven't experienced during their respective careers. The margin for error is gone. This intensifies the situation in a typically loud environment.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players on the hot seat (for differing reasons) in Week 15 at the Saints.
Commanders players on the hot seat entering Week 15 at Saints
Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S
As previously mentioned, the Washington Commanders' defensive strategy should center around restricting running back Alvin Kamara's influence. The New Orleans Saints are dealing with several injuries to key offensive personnel. They'll be leaning on the dual-threat weapon more than ever down the stretch.
Kamara reaffirmed his status as one of the league's most prolific all-purpose backs this season. He's a patient, dynamic runner capable of securing significant yardage on any given down. There's also plenty to fear regarding his pass-catching prowess out of the backfield.
Jeremy Chinn's role in preventing Kamara from doing damage is crucial. The safety thrives at the second level, displaying athleticism and physicality at the contact point in pursuit of containing the Saints' primary force. A big performance is needed in no uncertain terms.
Chinn and Kamara are no strangers to one another. They battled throughout the defensive back's time with the Carolina Panthers, so this familiarity should serve him well. If the former second-round pick thrives in this one, it'll improve his chances of a lucrative new deal before the campaign.