Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 1-1 start in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders vs. Browns - Week 5
- Date: Sunday, October 6
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
The Washington Commanders make a welcome return to Northwest Stadium in Week 5. Their opponents are the Cleveland Browns, who could easily be 0-2 to start the campaign had it not been for a typical collapse from the Jacksonville Jaguars last time out.
Much like the Commanders, winning was all that mattered to the Browns in Week 2. They had to pick themselves up following a demoralizing beatdown against the Dallas Cowboys to kick off the campaign. This brought more questions about the future of quarterback Deshaun Watson and whether he'll ever justify the record-breaking guaranteed money on his contract.
Anyone thinking this will be a walkover for the Commanders is kidding themselves no matter how many improvements they make between now and then. This is thanks in no small part to an exceptional defense at the Browns' disposal. Jim Schwartz's unit looks capable of making things extremely difficult for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, so scheming things correctly is pivotal.
Washington's offensive line must be up for the challenge. The Browns' defensive front is relentless, led by stud edge rusher Myles Garrett. The future Pro Football Hall of Famer has the physical attributes to take over a game by himself if afforded enough opportunities to generate pressure. Something that won't go unnoticed during the team's strategizing.
Getting rookie third-rounder Brandon Coleman or veteran Cornelius Lucas - whichever one is manning the blindside by the point - plenty of help through tight-end chips and double teams would be beneficial. If they can do that and force Watson into his customary errors under pressure, Washington has an opportunity to secure its second win in as many games on home soil.
- Prediction: Win (3-2)
If the Browns get star running back Nick Chubb off injured reserve for this one, it's another complication for the Commanders' defense to overcome. But if the offensive unit can somehow find a way to take Garrett out of the equation, they can pick up another triumph from what promises to be a physical encounter.