Predicting the Commanders next four games after 3-5 start in 2023
By Dean Jones
How could the Washington Commanders fare over their next four games after a 3-5 start and trading their two starting defensive ends before the 2023 deadline?
It's clear something was brewing within the Washington Commanders after their hard-fought loss against the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 8. What came in the days afterward represented a strong indication of which direction the team was going under Josh Harris' ownership group.
Perhaps fans were thinking one of their stud defensive ends would be moved. As it turned out, the Commanders traded both Montez Sweat and Chase Young to the Chicago Bears and San Francisco 49ers respectively for two Day 2 draft selections in 2024 - one of which could be a top-40 pick when it's all said and done.
Those behind the scenes are planning for the future. But there are still nine games to navigate as head coach Ron Rivera tries to turn this sinking ship around - however unlikely that might seem.
On this topic, we took a look at how the Commanders might fare over their next four games after a 3-5 start and trading two established figures on the defensive front.
Commanders at Patriots - Week 9
This is all about how much fight remains in the Washington Commanders locker room. It'll be weird for a few days without Montez Sweat and Chase Young given the esteem in which both were held by their peers, but those still around must turn their attention quickly to the business at hand.
The New England Patriots have a decent defense that can make things uncomfortable for promising signal-caller Sam Howell. However, their offense is going through some real complications and this is something the Commanders can take full advantage of.
Prediction: Win (4-5)
If Washington's offense plays anything like they did last time out and the defense shows resolve without Young and Sweat, they have a big chance of coming away from Gillette Stadium with a win. That might be on the optimistic side for a team who've lost five of their last six, but this is not the Patriots franchise that dominated the league for two decades under Bill Belichick and Tom Brady.