Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 3-1 start in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders vs. Panthers - Week 7
- Date: Sunday, October 20
- Time: 4.05 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
The Washington Commanders will not be too downbeat if they don't beat the Baltimore Ravens. It would be a tremendous bonus that's for sure, but it shouldn't prevent head coach Dan Quinn and his squad from brushing the defeat aside relatively quickly once they examine all the mitigating factors attached.
Besides, there is a winnable game for the Commanders on home soil in Week 7. The Carolina Panthers come to Northwest Stadium staring down the barrel of another losing campaign under erratic billionaire David Tepper's ownership. They've shown signs of life following their decision to bench former No. 1 pick Bryce Young, but Washington has nothing to fear.
Head coach Dave Canales is a progressive young offensive mind who's executing a much better operation with veteran quarterback Andy Dalton under center. They were competitive in defeat to the Cincinnati Bengals in Week 4, but there are no moral victories in the NFL. It's also worth remembering that they are without the services of Pro Bowl defensive lineman Derrick Brown and linebacker Shaq Thompson, who both suffered season-ending injuries over the first month.
The Commanders cannot - and won't - take the Panthers lightly. They still have some dangerous weapons and could have second-round running back Jonathon Brooks involved by this point. However, their inability to generate consistent pressure is something that Jayden Daniels can take advantage of.
Many around the league see the Panthers as a get-right game. Canales is working hard to shift this narrative, but it's going to take time. The Commanders look further ahead in their rebuild right now, so keeping intensity high and taking things one game at a time is paramount.
- Prediction: Commanders win (5-2)
It would be a surprise if the Commanders didn't have enough to beat the Panthers. This might be more competitive than some fans expect, so nothing but maximum commitment and the same execution showcased over the opening four contests will do.