Who were the big winners and losers from the Washington Commanders' narrow defeat to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8?
It was a much-improved effort overall from the Washington Commanders in Week 8 versus the Philadelphia Eagles. However, some critical errors late on both sides of the football ended up being their eventual undoing.
Washington is now sitting at 3-5 and with some serious speculation about the short and long-term direction of this franchise. Talk of moving some pieces before the 2023 trade deadline on October 31 continues to gather pace, with Adam Schefter of ESPN reporting that this scenario was dependent on how the Commanders got on versus their fierce NFC East rival.
Now that they've been swept by the Eagles, some pieces on the chess board could be removed in pursuit of attaining additional draft capital. Only time will tell, but it won't take much longer to find out one way or another.
Until then, here are five winners and losers from Washington's latest reverse at FedEx Field.
Winner No. 1
Commanders OL
The offensive line has taken some severe and deserved criticism this season. But the Washington Commanders' changes seemed to do the trick after a much more efficient display against a stout Philadelphia Eagles defensive front.
There were times when quarterback Sam Howell was under severe pressure, but it was nothing like what we've seen over the previous six contests. Washington's protection gave up just one sack, which was a big step in the right direction and something this revamped unit can build upon moving forward.
Tyler Larsen and Chris Paul more than held their own. Therefore, it would be a surprise if the Commanders went away from this formula even when Saahdiq Charles comes off injured/reserve.
Loser No. 1
Commanders pass defense
After getting torched by stud wide receiver A.J. Brown and the Philadelphia Eagles' passing attack during their first game against the defending NFC conference champions, significant adjustments were needed to avoid a similar fate. Unfortunately, the Washington Commanders couldn't find the right answers.
It was the same old story. Brown had his way with Washington's secondary to continue his exceptional recent run of form, quarterback Jalen Hurts was clinical in key situations, and the Eagles moved the ball through the air almost at will en route to 319 combined yards and four touchdowns.
The pass rush mustered just two sacks, but the secondary had no answer. Kendall Fuller had some nice moments in coverage, but nobody else emerged from the contest with any real credit during a disappointing afternoon in this key area.
Jack Del Rio is another coach coming under severe fire recently. The concepts are outdated and not in keeping with the modern-day NFL, but placing Emmanuel Forbes versus Brown on his first snap was just another fine example of the deployment not being up to the required standard.
Washington currently ranks No. 29 out of 32 teams in passing yards allowed per game with 256.8. This is unacceptable given the talent at their disposal - something that points the finger squarely at Del Rio and his defensive coaching staff.
Winner No. 2
Jahan Dotson - Commanders WR
Fans have been waiting for a Jahan Dotson breakout game. The wide receiver's gone through some complications as a sophomore, which wasn't what anybody had in mind given how much the former first-round pick flashed during a rookie campaign littered with promise.
Dotson looked much more like his old self in Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles. His route-running was assured, the ball skills improved, and the explosiveness that seemed to desert him over the first six contests returned in earnest.
The one-time Penn State standout brought in eight receptions from 10 targets for 108 receiving yards and one touchdown. This was no doubt a big boost for Dotson and something the Washington Commanders desperately needed with Curtis Samuel dealing with an injury issue.
Hopefully, this can provide the spark Dotson needs to enjoy a profitable second half of 2023. The talent is undeniable - his struggles had more to do with confidence than anything else of late.
Although the Commanders didn't get the result they wanted, Dotson can hold his head high. He almost doubled his season receiving yard totals in one game, which is a solid platform from which to build in the coming weeks.
Whatever alterations Eric Bienieny made to schematics around Dotson need to remain the same. Because this is the player fans were clamoring to see.
Loser No. 2
Ron Rivera - Commanders HC
Things are going from bad to worse for Ron Rivera. The head coach is under significant strain regarding his long-term job prospects, which don't look especially promising after the Washington Commanders suffered their fifth loss in six following their 2-0 opening to the campaign.
In fairness to Rivera, the Commanders performed much better in this one. However, the bar was on the floor after such a woeful display during their complete capitulation at the New York Giants.
This was a game decided by fine margins. In particular, the fourth-down catch from Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith that Rivera didn't challenge.
When asked about the call following Washington's loss, Rivera stated that he didn't see the replay in time. Whether this was a communication issue with the booth or simple mismanagement is debatable, but even the slightest doubt should have led to him throwing the red flag.
If it doesn't go their way, so what? But it was complete malpractice not to at least try whether he'd seen the replay or not given the reactions of his players at the time.
Again, this probably won't go unnoticed by Josh Harris' new ownership group. The Commanders' winnable run of games is rapidly coming to an end before a daunting gauntlet to conclude the campaign, so it's going to take a monumental turnaround to convince the higher-ups he's worthy of another year.
Winner No. 3
Sam Howell - Commanders QB
Aside from a couple of critical errors late in the game, quarterback Sam Howell turned in a performance of the highest caliber. The former fifth-round selection's two best outings of the season have come against the Philadelphia Eagles, which is a testament to his ability to rise up in the face of adversity if nothing else.
Howell put together an almost flawless first half. He looked composed in the pocket, benefitting greatly from a shift in schematics from offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and the changes to the Washington Commanders' offensive line.
Sadly for Howell and the Commanders, he coughed up an interception in the fourth quarter. The one-time North Carolina stud also missed veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin on a relatively easy completion by putting the ball too low - although it was catchable.
Howell was focused on the bad rather than the good after this one. However, gaining almost 400 passing yards and four touchdowns versus such an exceptional defense further cemented his credentials about becoming the Commanders' long-term option under center.
When Howell gets time in the pocket, good things happen. His improved awareness in terms of recognizing pressure was another encouraging sign, but there's just no telling what the future holds if Josh Harris' ownership group makes landmark changes to the coaching infrastructure and front office when the campaign concludes.