Some doubts were creeping around the media about the Washington Commanders. A humbling loss to the Green Bay Packers came with criticism, with many suggesting last season's heroics were a flash in the pan. Not for the first time under head coach Dan Quinn, they produced the correct response.
Washington's game against the Las Vegas Raiders was a one-sided affair. The Commanders were in complete control throughout, playing sound complementary football and making things extremely difficult for the AFC West club to generate any momentum. It was a professional performance, especially considering the injury problems Quinn had to navigate beforehand.
That leaves the Commanders at 2-1 through three games. Dreams of playoff glory are still prevalent among the fan base, and the resolve displayed in the face of adversity cannot be anything other than positive.
Some more formidable challenges are coming for the Commanders. Four of their next five outings are on the road. Two of them are on primetime. There is no real routine for the players, which comes with the territory of being successful. If Washington can come through these tests effectively, they'll be in a tremendous spot over the second half of 2025.
With this in mind, we predicted how things might go for the Commanders over the next five games after their 2-1 start.
Predicting the Commanders' next five games after 2-1 start in 2025
Commanders at Falcons - Week 4
- Date: Sunday, September 28
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Mercedes-Benz Stadium
- Channel: CBS
The Commanders should be brimming with confidence heading into their Week 4 trip to the Atlanta Falcons. That cannot be said of their opponents, who were embarrassed by the Carolina Panthers despite being favored to triumph beforehand.
Carolina overwhelmed Atlanta from the outset. Michael Penix Jr. threw two interceptions, one of which was returned for a touchdown. The Falcons conceded 30 points and didn't score any. To make matters worse, they didn't even cross the 30-yard line on any offensive drive.
Head coach Raheem Morris will be demanding a response. Washington must be wary of the wounded Falcons, and their thrilling contest with Atlanta last season means they are not without a chance.
Containing running back Bijan Robinson is key. He makes everything tick. When the first-round pick out of Texas struggles to gain early momentum, it doesn't take long for things to unravel. That should be the primary objective of defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. during his strategic planning.
- Prediction: Win (3-1)
It won't be easy, but this represents a winnable game for the Commanders. Weathering an early storm can provide head coach Dan Quinn with even more revenge on the team that fired him.