Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as excitement continues to build for Week 7 at the New York Giants?
Preparations are well underway for what is another crucial game for the Washington Commanders. They have newfound positivity following their triumph at the Atlanta Falcons, which should serve them well heading to the Big Apple in Week 7 versus the New York Giants for a highly important divisional encounter.
It'll be tough, but the Commanders have a legitimate shot of piling more misery on the G-Men looking at the two organizations right now. Until then, the stories causing debate include confidence in Jahan Dotson, Jamison Crowder's honor, Ron Rivera's focal point, and the possibility of trading Chase Young before the deadline.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders KR Jamison Crowder's award
NFL games are all about moments. And there's no doubt Jamison Crowder's huge punt return at the Atlanta Falcons completely changed the tide of the contest.
The veteran demonstrated his customary burst in open space and almost ended a long drought of kick or punt return touchdowns for the Washington Commanders. Although Crowder was unable to find the end-zone, he did get recognition for his exceptional contribution with the NFC's Special Teams Player of the Week award.
This was a well-deserved distinction and should give Crowder plenty of confidence moving forward. Many wondered what the player had left after he made his triumphant return to Washington, but there's plenty of life in those legs yet based on his performance levels so far.
Commanders confidence in Jahan Dotson
Even though the Washington Commanders' offense has made encouraging strides under Eric Bieniemy, wide receiver Jahan Dotson hasn't met the expectations as yet. The former first-round selection was tipped for a major breakout in Year 2 of his professional career, but it's been a rough start for a pass-catcher with every athletic attribute imaginable.
Dotson dropped what would have been a huge gain at the Atlanta Falcons and wasn't targeted after that. When discussing the Penn State product's lack of production, quarterback Sam Howell remains highly confident that things can turn around in the near future based on comments via the team's website.
"Jahan is so special. He's so polished … I was a huge fan of his when he was in college, and I'm so excited to play with him. It's just kind of a flow of the game type thing. It wasn't that Jahan wasn't in the game plan, it's just more of the plays that were called at that certain time and kind of what looks they gave on certain plays kind of dictates where the ball goes. It's kind of just one of those unlucky things for Jahan. He's a hell of a player. I'm going to continue to try to do everything I can to get him the ball just like all our guys."Sam Howell via Commanders.com
The New York Giants are giving up 217.0 yards per game through the air over their opening six games. This is about league average, so there should be a few opportunities for Dotson to make his presence felt and help the Commanders get themselves over .500 once again.
This is all about confidence. Hopefully, Dotson is not completely devoid of that after an indifferent start.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera's focal point
Things are not going well for the New York Giants right now. But it's worth remembering this was a playoff-caliber team last season and the Washington Commanders are not in a position to underestimate anybody with their own fortunes hanging in the balance.
These two teams know each other extremely well and their recent encounters have all been close. It remains to be seen whether quarterback Daniel Jones returns from a neck injury after practicing without being cleared for contact on Wednesday, but limiting running back Saquon Barkley's influence is the primary key to potential success on the road.
When discussing preparations, Ron Rivera stated via Sports Illustrated that finding a way to counteract the supreme threat posed by Barkley is the obvious focal point. The head coach is also looking for a similar effort from his defensive unit as they demonstrated last weekend against the Atlanta Falcons rushing attack led by first-round sensation Bijan Robinson.
"They're going to come in, they have Saquon [Barkley] and we know how special he is as a running back. We’ve got to be able to contain him. We got to be able to contain the quarterback (Daniel Jones). A lot of those things that we did on Sunday are things that are going to be reflected in what we're going to need to do this coming Sunday as well."Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated
Barkley might be an outstanding player, but the Giants offensive line is abysmal so far. Something the Commanders can definitely exploit if their defensive front seizes the initiative.
Commanders told to trade Chase Young
The Washington Commanders are in a tricky predicament at the trade deadline. On one hand, they could add to options already available in the hope it can bolster their playoff chances, but a situation could emerge where an outgoing occurs if a mammoth offer comes along.
That is a hot topic of debate among fans currently. One name coming up more than most is defensive end Chase Young, who looks back to his old self in terms of production and more importantly, staying clear of injury after missing Week 1.
Young is out of contract next spring after the Commanders didn't pick up his fifth-year option. Something that led Cody Woodroof of USA Today Sports to suggest that trading the edge rusher and paying Montez Sweat instead represents the best course of action.
"[Chase] Young is enjoying a great season with the Commanders, who are going to have to determine whether or not they’re going to pay him or Montez Sweat next spring. Paying both just doesn’t feel realistic for one of the more expensive defensive lines in football, and Sweat has been the better player in his career. If Washington isn’t able to get more wins, they should consider trading Young away to a contender and getting a better draft pick than they’d get if he walked in the spring. It’s not hard to imagine a team wanting more power off the edge sending a second-round pick the Commanders’ way for an ascending Young."Cody Woodroof, USA Today Sports
This sort of speculation isn't going away over the next fortnight. The Commanders would be worse off without Young in the lineup, but business is business at the end of the day.