Which Washington Commanders news stories are hitting the headlines as Ron Rivera's men aim for success at the New York Giants this afternoon?
Another Washington Commanders game day is upon us. Ron Rivera's men will look to secure bragging rights on the road versus a New York Giants team going through some turmoil currently, which would enhance their wild-card hopes and alleviate some pressure from the head coach Ron Rivera's shoulders along the way.
Another fascinating afternoon awaits. Until then, the stories causing conversation include Eric Bieniemy on Washington's protection issues, Rivera looking to avoid complacency, Sam Howell's development, and Week 7 odds looking favorable.
Let's delve into each topic in more detail.
Commanders HC Ron Rivera on complacency
Even though the New York Giants are currently 1-5 and going nowhere fast, the Washington Commanders cannot afford to take them lightly. This is a road divisional game and the two teams have been closely matched in recent years, so it might be a case of fine margins deciding the contest once again.
When discussing the clash recently, head coach Ron Rivera stated via John Keim of ESPN that the Commanders won't be taking New York lightly by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, he's expecting a tough test going up versus a team that is looking to restore some pride in front of their home fans.
"To think they're just going to line up and open the door [is] crazy. These guys are professionals…. doesn't matter what the record is. Divisional games bring a little something extra."Ron Rivera via X/Twitter
The Commanders are back at .500 following three straight losses before Week 6. So they aren't in any position to be expecting victory without maximum effort. Time to step up.
Commanders at NY Giants odds for Week 7
Considering where these two teams are currently and the fact every game between the Washington Commanders and New York Giants has been close over recent years, this could legitimately go either way at MetLife Stadium. But it would be extremely disappointing if Ron Rivera's squad couldn't build on their impressive showing at the Atlanta Falcons last time out.
According to the latest odds from FanDuel Sportsbook, the Commanders are 3.0-point favorites at the Giants in Week 7. This is available at -110 whatever side of the points spread you wish to wager (bet $110 to win $100).
Anyone wishing to bet Washington on the money line can get them at -158 currently (bet $158 to win $100). After winning just one of their opening six contests, Brian Daboll's men are unsurprisingly underdogs on home soil with odds of +134 (bet $100 to win $134).
FanDuel Sportsbook isn't expecting a high-scoring affair between the NFC East rivals with an over/under of 37.5 points.
- Over 37.5 points: -105 (bet $105 to win $100)
- Under 37.5 points: -115 (bet $115 to win $100)
In case you missed our three intriguing prop bets for Week 7, here they are:
- Sam Howell to go over 15.5 rushing yards
- Jahan Dotson to go over 32.5 receiving yards
- Kamren Curl to go over 7.5 tackles/assists
Game odds refresh periodically and are subject to change.
Commanders OC Eric Bieniemy on sack issues
One complication that remains a big thorn in the Washington Commanders' side centers on quarterback Sam Howell taking too many hits. The sack numbers remain on a historic pace, which is down to subpar protection from the offensive line and the signal-caller failing to react quickly when pressure arrives.
That's a dangerous combination whichever way one looks at it. When discussing the topic recently offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy stated via Sports Illustrated that there must be a collective approach to improvements to avoid further concerns with the business end of 2023 fast approaching.
"Well, obviously you never want to have the high number of sacks that we have. You know, first and foremost, the young quarterback is still learning how to play the game. Then on top of that, he just needs to continue to improve with his mechanics and the things that he's doing. I think that'll help everything out. Our O-Line, they're doing a heck of a job, they just need to continue protecting. But on top of that, as you know, this game goes hand in hand. It doesn't make a difference who's making the mistake. We all get the blame for it. When it's all said and done, we got to make sure that we're giving our guys the right info, the right details, so they can just continue to improve. But the thing I like is our guys, our mindsets, are in the right place."Eric Bieniemy via Sports Illustrated
Perhaps some schematic adjustments would also help - quick releases and short routes with the potential for big gains yards after the catch, for example. Either way, this cannot continue for much longer if the Commanders want to harbor realistic hopes of entering the playoff picture.
Commanders QB Sam Howell's development
Sam Howell's evolution into the Washington Commanders' long-term answer under center couldn't be going much better. There are some things to clean up and it's not been perfect, but the overall body of work is encouraging through six games.
Another test awaits in Week 7 at the New York Giants and their outstanding defensive front. Howell's already generated success on his travels this season, so hopes are high that the former fifth-round selection can handle another pressure-cooker environment in pursuit of victory.
When discussing Howell's development, head coach Ron Rivera stated via Sports Illustrated there is no timeline regarding any objectives that have been set in-house. It's all about taking the rough with the smooth and seeing how the North Carolina product reacts to problems with additional experience.
"I don't think there is a timeline. I really don't. That's something I think as a quarterback coach or the coordinator that's something that they're looking for. That obviously would tell them that there's growth. That now, okay, he's starting to feel that, he's starting to understand what the protections mean, starting to understand what it means with this type of route combination. It's a five-step drop as opposed to a seven-step drop. Those are all things that young quarterbacks have to learn and understand. I think that's what we're looking for to see as far as what we're looking at to see the growth."Ron Rivera via Sports Illustrated
Howell can make another big statement by securing a divisional success on the road this afternoon. Something that would only enhance his claims of being the franchise quarterback Washington has craved for years.