Predicting the Commanders' next four games after 7-2 start in 2024
By Dean Jones
Commanders at Eagles - Week 11
- Date: Thursday, November 14
- Time: 8.15 p.m. ET
- Venue: Lincoln Financial Field
The Washington Commanders have one primary threat standing between them and a memorable division title in Year 1 of this substantial rebuild under the new regime. With the Dallas Cowboys and New York Giants fading into the abyss, the Philadelphia Eagles and head coach Dan Quinn's men are in a two-horse race for the NFC East crown.
Philadelphia is winning despite head coach Nick Sirianni rather than because of him. He's coming under fire for his indifferent play-calling and bizarre approach to extra points or two-point conversions. That said, he's found the right formula offensively after making star running back Saquon Barkley the focal point.
Barkley was inexplicably let go by the Giants this offseason. He's made them pay in no uncertain terms, using their mismanagement of his contract situation as motivation to reach even greater heights in a different environment.
This is making everything easier for quarterback Jalen Hurts. The Eagles also have A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith in the passing game and an explosive defense that's shown signs of life in recent weeks.
It's a tough challenge for the Commanders. Lincoln Financial Field is a notoriously hostile environment and the bright lights of primetime add another dynamic to this spectacle on Thursday Night Football. Washington must remain focused on the task at hand and take the crowd out of the game early. Anything else comes with grave consequences attached.
For all the Commanders' faults last season under previous head coach Ron Rivera, they gave the Eagles two competitive games before falling short in 2023. The stakes will be much higher in this one, making it a pressure cooker environment this revamped roster must handle accordingly.
- Prediction: Commanders loss (8-3)
This would be a major statement if the Commanders could pull it off. This might also be a step too far. It's hanging in the balance with a result that could legitimately go either way as things stand.