How could the Washington Commanders fare over their next four games after the team's 3-4 opening to the 2023 campaign?
There was a real opportunity for the Washington Commanders to build further momentum in Week 7 and get one over on a divisional rival along the way. Instead, we witnessed another pathetic performance from a Ron Rivera-led squad versus the New York Giants, who were significantly depleted and looked to be going nowhere fast after their 1-5 start.
This has led to yet more speculation about Rivera's long-term future with the franchise. Momentum also seems to be building about the Commanders' potentially trading one of their top stars - more specifically Montez Sweat or Chase Young - before the deadline on October 31.
Plenty of uncertainty surrounds the Commanders currently. What's important for Rivera is ignoring the outside noise and somehow turning this sinking ship around before things get far tougher at the business end of the campaign.
On this topic, we took a look at how Washington might fare over their next four contests following their indifferent 3-4 start.
Commanders vs. Eagles - Week 8
As if things couldn't get any worse for the Washington Commanders. FedEx Field will once again be sold out for their home contest versus the Philadelphia Eagles, who look well on course for another divisional title and potentially retain their NFC conference crown after another eye-catching start.
The Commanders can take heart from their performance at the Eagles when the two sides met earlier this season. Washington lost that game in overtime and it's hard to predict anything other than the same result given how woeful they've been in two of their last three outings.
Prediction: Loss (3-5)
Starting quickly is the only way Washington has a legitimate chance in this one. But considering the offensive line's struggles and how dominant Philadelphia's front seven can be, another long afternoon awaits.
Commanders at Patriots - Week 9
This was seen as a winnable game just last week. The New England Patriots were staring down one of their worst seasons in decades and easily the worst under Bill Belichick throughout his exceptional reign, but things might be looking up after their shocking victory over the Buffalo Bills in Week 7.
As previously stated, the Washington Commanders were not nearly as impressive during their inept outing at the New York Giants. If they get undone at home by the Philadelphia Eagles, confidence will be extremely low heading into this one.
The Patriots are facing the Miami Dolphins this week. Those within the Commanders should hope Mike McDaniel's offense can put up significant points and give Belichick's men the hammering needed to increase concerns.
While things aren't going according to plan in New England, their defensive unit remains top-notch. This is something that could complicate matters, especially for an offensive line that is putting quarterback Sam Howell under constant duress almost every time he drops back to pass.
Prediction: Loss (3-6)
This predicament won't go unnoticed by such a meticulous planner like Belichick. If New England's offense is even moderately competent, the Commanders might find life difficult on the road.
However, gaining an important, morale-boosting victory cannot be completely dismissed.
Commanders at Seahawks - Week 10
In this scenario, the Washington Commanders would be 3-6 with almost no hope of making the postseason. Therefore, calls to remove Ron Rivera and other influential figures would reach levels not seen before if this scenario comes to fruition.
The hits just keep on coming, too. Traveling to Lumen Field - one of the NFL's most notoriously hostile environments - to take on the Seattle Seahawks is another tough test for a team that would be devoid of any momentum whatsoever if things go as predicted.
Don't look now, but the Seahawks are only one game back of the San Francisco 49ers - a team touted by many to win the Super Bowl in 2023 - in pursuit of wrestling back the NFC West. Pete Carroll always seems to put together a competitive roster, which stems from drafting superbly and inspiring veterans who might be a little down on their luck after unsuccessful spells elsewhere.
Depending on what unfolds over the next fortnight, it's another game where the Commanders will be underdogs. But with nothing much to play for other than pride, this could relax the players and give them an extra sense of freedom to express themselves.
Prediction: Loss (3-7)
This has the potential to be a closer game than many expect currently. But it's all about whether the offense can adjust enough and make calls easy for second-year quarterback Sam Howell amid near-deafening noise.
Commanders vs. NY Giants - Week 11
There's just no telling what the atmosphere will be like if the Washington Commanders head into their divisional clash against the New York Giants sitting at 3-7. Whether Josh Harris' new ownership group has taken matters into their own hands by this point is another hot topic for discussion.
Either way, this is a game they have to win to avoid plummeting further down into the proverbial abyss. The Commanders are unfortunate enough to have a daunting stretch of fixtures after this all the way up to Week 18 with a bye sandwiched in the middle, so it's arguably their last legitimate chance to pick up some semblance of momentum.
Of course, they'd have to perform much better than they managed at the Giants last weekend. It was arguably the most incompetent display of the season alongside their Thursday night embarrassment versus the Chicago Bears, so this is all about how much pride remains in the locker room.
Just show some fight. Execute effectively. Do the simple fundamental things that made the Commanders look halfway decent at some stages in 2023.
Prediction: Win (4-7)
Although the Giants will probably be getting quarterback Daniel Jones and some of their starting offensive linemen back by this point, Washington can still win. I also acknowledge it's a tough sell after what transpired at MetLife Stadium.