How could the Washington Commanders fare over their next four games following a 2-2 start to their 2023 regular-season engagements?
Even though the Washington Commanders fell to another defeat at the Philadelphia Eagles, there were far more positives than negatives to take from the contest. They fought with everything, came through in the clutch offensively, and fell just short of getting one over on the defending NFC conference champions before going down in overtime.
Of course, nothing matters to players and Washington's staff other than a loss in the column. But upon reflection, the Commanders can take great heart from the way they applied themselves heading into the midway stage of the campaign.
Building on the positives and working out some kinks - especially on defense - is the most important thing moving forward. If Ron Rivera and his trusted team can figure this out, then the Commanders might find themselves in the wildcard picture when it's all said and done.
With that being said, we took a look at how the Commanders might fare over their next four games following their 2-2 start in 2023.
Commanders vs. Bears - Week 5
A quick turnaround following such an emotional loss could go either way for the Washington Commanders. Fortunately, the bright lights of primetime await on Thursday Night Football versus a Chicago Bears team going through some severe complications through four games.
Last weekend's capitulation was a microcosm of how things are unfolding in Chicago currently. They currently hold the top two picks in the 2024 NFL Draft right now, which signals franchise-altering changes could be coming unless things improve in the coming months.
Prediction: Win (3-2)
If the Commanders perform anything like they did at the Philadelphia Eagles in this one, then a third victory of the campaign won't be too far behind. However, head coach Ron Rivera and his staff must ensure complacency doesn't become an issue.
Commanders at Falcons - Week 6
This is another game where the Washington Commanders should fancy their chances. The Atlanta Falcons are not a good football team right now, although many of their problems can be placed squarely on the shoulders of second-year quarterback Desmond Ridder.
The Falcons placed a significant amount of faith in Ridder this offseason. It hasn't been repaid as yet, with his turnover-prone outing in London against the Jacksonville Jaguars seeing calls for change among the fanbase.
Head coach Arthur Smith stated this week that he plans to move forward with Ridder for at least another week. The Commanders should be hoping he performs well in Week 5 to ensure he's under center when the two sides square off at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
If Ridder fluffs his lines again, then the chances of the Commanders facing former quarterback Taylor Heinicke increase exponentially. This would complicate matters to a certain extent, especially considering the extra level of motivation from the player's standpoint to get one over on his old employers.
Prediction: Win (4-2)
Even though this is a road game, the Commanders have performed well on their travels so far this season, And make no mistake, Jack Del Rio's defense should be relishing the prospect of going up against either Ridder or Heinicke providing the right adjustments have been made in the meantime.
Commanders at NY Giants - Week 7
Reaching the divisional playoff round in 2022 was far greater than even the brightest optimist hoped for the New York Giants. However, things aren't going as positively for Brian Daboll's men to begin the current campaign.
The Giants currently prop up the NFC East at 1-3 following their defeat against the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football. Their offensive line is struggling significantly and quarterback Daniel Jones hasn't lived up to the massive contract he received this offseason through four contests.
This is a divisional game on the road, so it's an important one for the Washington Commanders. It won't be easy - not by any stretch of the imagination - but Ron Rivera's squad has absolutely nothing to fear based on how they've applied themselves to date.
Of course, if the Giants get stud running back Saquon Barkley back by this point, it shifts the narrative slightly. The Commanders also have notable trouble dealing with mobile quarterbacks, which is one of Jones' strengths despite his torrid run of recent form.
Prediction: Win (5-2)
Considering the fine margins involved and the perceived strength within the division, sweeping the Giants is almost a necessity if Rivera and the Commanders want to enter the wildcard conversation. They look well-matched on paper, but the defense must keep Jones contained and prevent those scrambling runs from doing too much damage.
Commanders vs. Eagles - Week 8
This is a tough challenge for the Washington Commanders to keep their winning run going in this scenario. But last weekend proved they can hang with a strong Super Bowl challenger like the Philadelphia Eagles - who are also defending NFC conference champions - even when things aren't quite clicking on the defensive side of things.
Eric Bieniemy schemed things up masterfully at the Eagles in Week 5. The offense was balanced, the timing was right on point, and the play-caller placed a significant amount of faith in second-year quarterback Sam Howell to come through in clutch situations when needed.
Washington's defense gave up too many big plays. Emmanuel Forbes struggled versus a polished performer such as A.J. Brown, which represented a steep learning curve for the rookie cornerback going up against one of the league's best at the wide receiver position.
Having a home-field advantage should help providing fans pack the stands. Much will also depend on how much each team learns and adjusts to what unfolded during their first outing that went to overtime.
Prediction: Loss (5-3)
Getting swept by the Eagles isn't ideal, but the Commanders won't face them again during the regular season. And make no mistake, if someone had offered Ron Rivera 5-3 at the halfway stage, there's little doubt the respected head coach would have taken it all things considered.