Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 4-2 start in 2024
By Dean Jones
The Washington Commanders produced a spirited effort at the Baltimore Ravens before falling to defeat. Their defensive deficiencies came back to haunt them, but the fact they kept fighting and remained competitive in the face of elite opposition is proof things are heading in the right direction under new head coach Dan Quinn.
There are no moral victories in the NFL. At the same time, nobody within the Commanders should be too despondent looking at their overall body of work through six weeks. They are also embarking on a crucial stretch of contests that could enhance their postseason hopes in no uncertain terms.
Opportunity knocks for the Commanders. Quinn will be eager to keep motivation and standards high despite a slight setback at M&T Bank Stadium. They'll have to do it without veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, who's been ruled out for the season after suffering a torn pectoral against the Ravens.
That's not ideal, but the Commanders have to plow forward accordingly. With this in mind, we took a look at how Washington might fare over the next four games following a 4-2 start to the campaign.
Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 4-2 start in 2024
Commanders vs. Panthers - Week 7
- Date: Sunday, October 20
- Time: 4.05 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
If the Washington Commanders could have hand-picked a game to get right, being at home to the Carolina Panthers would be high on the list. However, they cannot take anything for granted despite coming up against one of the league's bottom feeders.
The Panthers are languishing at 1-5 and with plenty of key players missing through injury. Their defense is going through some significant complications right now, which center on having no pass rush whatsoever and an inability to stop the run. This should be music to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels' ears.
Washington's potential problems arrive on defense. The Panthers have a stout offensive line even without Taylor Moton and Austin Corbett. Chuba Hubbard is a promising young running back. Andy Dalton is providing more calm assurance under center after unseating former No. 1 pick Bryce Young as the starter after just two games. Wide receiver Diontae Johnson is another who can hurt the Commanders if their secondary doesn't improve on a woeful showing in Week 6.
- Prediction: Commanders win (5-2)
Everyone in the facility will be striving for Frankie Luvu and Jeremy Chinn to get one over on their old employers. It won't be a complete walkover, but the Commanders have more than enough in their locker to dispose of the Panthers on home soil.