Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 4-2 start in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders vs. Steelers - Week 10
- Date: Sunday, November 10
- Time: 1.00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
It's hard to put into words the job Mike Tomlin continues to do as head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers. He's never had a losing record. Despite the quarterback conundrum facing the squad throughout the offseason and the lack of talent at the wide receiver position, he's kept things ticking over with a 4-2 record and the postseason in sight.
This is the sternest test facing the Washington Commanders over the next four games. The Steelers' defense is opportunistic and formidable, led by exceptional edge rusher T.J. Watt and defensive lineman Cameron Heyward. Jayden Daniels must be at the top of his game to counteract this supreme threat.
Pittsburgh also boasts one of the league's toughest run defenses, giving up just 85.5 yards per game on the ground through six weeks. Quarterback Justin Fields is also performing much better than anticipated, keeping veteran Russell Wilson on the bench through improved poise and the obvious ability to improvise when things aren't developing as anticipated downfield.
The Commanders have enough in their locker to beat the Steelers, especially considering the momentum they'll have by this point. Keeping Fields contained in the pocket is crucial. Limiting running back Najee Harris' influence will also go a long way to achieving success.
Testing veteran cornerback Donte Jackson would be wise. The offseason arrival via trade from the Carolina Panthers can create turnovers when mistakes are made. He's also susceptible to getting beat on big plays, which is something Daniels can expose given his deep-ball accuracy.
- Prediction: Commanders win (8-2)
This will be a close contest decided by fine margins. Home-field advantage could prove crucial for the Commanders, but there's just no telling for sure. If Dan Quinn's squad can dig deep to get a win and somehow find themselves at 8-2 through 10 weeks of the 2024 season, it would be nothing short of miraculous.
It's tough. But it's not impossible by any stretch of the imagination.
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