Predicting the Commanders next four games following 2-3 start in 2023
By Dean Jones
How could the Washington Commanders fare over their next four games after starting the season 2-3 and on the back of three straight defeats?
After such a positive start, things are starting to unravel for the Washington Commanders. Their loss against the Chicago Bears on Thursday Night Football was the harshest sign yet of how far this team is away from legitimately entering the postseason discussion, which isn't a good look for head coach Ron Rivera in Year 4 of his tenure.
The defense needs to improve drastically. That is the biggest thing holding the Commanders back currently, which isn't what many envisaged during the preseason given how many questions surrounded quarterback Sam Howell and how quickly Eric Bieniemy could implement his offensive ethos.
Howell is the least of Washington's concerns right now, which is a big positive. Bieniemy is also scheming things up nicely despite having to make significant in-game alterations as the Commanders look to recover from big deficits more often than not.
Morale is sapping slowly from the fanbase after three consecutive defeats. All hope is not lost just yet, but how could the Commanders fare over the next four games following a 2-3 start to the campaign?
Commanders at Falcons - Week 8
This has quickly become a must-win game for the Washington Commanders. Confidence isn't exactly high, but veterans within the locker room have been quick to rally the troops in recent days as the team looks to pick itself off the canvas and get its campaign back on track.
The Falcons boast a formidable rushing attack led by first-round sensation Bijan Robinson. Quarterback Desmond Ridder is shaky at best, so the onus will be on Washington's defensive front to start living up to their reputation and make things extremely uncomfortable.
Defensively, Atlanta has decent individuals at all three levels that can make an impact. Grady Jarrett, A.J. Terrell, Bud Dupree, and Jessie Bates III are all problems the Commanders need to counteract, but establishing their run versus a team giving up 104.4 yards per game on the ground would be a good place to start.
Prediction: Win (3-3)
This is made more in hope than expectation. But after getting their pride stung against the Chicago Bears, anything less than a positive response won't be tolerated.