Everyone associated with the Washington Commanders is beaming with pride after their memorable Wild Card success at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. But the hard work isn't over.
The Commanders are focused on the next challenge rather than anything they've accomplished previously. It's what got them this far during a sensational first season under head coach Dan Quinn. Keeping the same mindset ahead of their sternest challenge to date is crucial.
Quinn knows that more will be needed to counteract the supreme threat posed by the Detroit Lions. They are the NFC's No. 1 seed for a reason. Their offense is phenomenal and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is a master at his craft. Couple this with being on the road in a hostile environment, it's not hard to see where the complications could arise.
There is no wiggle room for the Commanders. Everyone needs to perform up to or above expectations to keep this competitive. Nothing else will do if Washington wants to cause a monumental upset en route to the NFC Conference championship game.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players with no margin for error at the Lions. We'll begin with veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen.
Commanders players with no margin for error in the Divisional Round
Jonathan Allen - Commanders DT
There wasn't much the Washington Commanders' defense could do to stop the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Fortunately for Dan Quinn's squad, the offense controlled the clock with supreme efficiency to spearhead their triumph.
Jonathan Allen was largely anonymous at Raymond James Stadium. The veteran defensive lineman failed to register a single statistic and was contained comfortably by the Buccaneers' offensive line interior. That has to change this weekend at the Detroit Lions.
Allen played 58 percent of defensive snaps last time out, so the Commanders are easing him back into the rotation after spending most of the campaign on injured reserve with a torn pectoral. But considering the opposition and the fact this could be Washington's last game of the campaign, he'll be tasked with more.
That bears more significance if Daron Payne is limited after a gruesome dislocated finger suffered at the Buccaneers. Either way, the Commanders need Allen back to his dominant best versus one of the league's most prolific offensive lines.
There are growing doubts about whether Allen will be part of the team's plans beyond 2024. This looks like a great opportunity to silence his doubters and put together an accomplished display.