Predicting the Commanders next four games after 3-3 start in 2023
By Dean Jones
Commanders vs. Eagles - Week 8
FedEx Field is once again sold out for Week 8 against the Philadelphia Eagles. Just how many visiting fans will be in attendance remains to be seen, but this represents a slight window of opportunity for the Washington Commanders versus the defending NFC conference champions.
The Eagles are missing that spark on offense right now. They remain an efficient unit, but quarterback Jalen Hurts has clearly regressed without previous offensive coordinator Shane Steichen compared to his exceptionally high standards during the previous campaign.
Couple this with the Commanders taking the Eagles to overtime during their previous meeting this season, and Washington has nothing to fear. If the home crowd can spur them on and everyone plays up to their usual level, they might just have a chance.
Of course, underestimating the Eagles would be foolish looking at their strength across the board. But this is the best chance Ron Rivera has of making a statement that the Commanders are heading in the right direction under his leadership.
This might come down to how the Commanders' secondary performs versus Philadelphia's passing attack. Much will also depend on whether Sam Howell can come up with the heroics needed, which he looks more than capable of based on his exceptional showing at Lincoln Financial Field.
Prediction: Loss (4-4)
However, until the Commanders prove otherwise, this could be a step too far for this squad when push comes to shove.