Commanders vs. Colts - Week 4
- Date: Sunday, October 4
- Time: 9:30 a.m. ET
- Venue: Tottenham Hotspur Stadium (United Kingdom)
- Channel: NFL Network
The Washington Commanders get a break from their typical routine when they take on the Indianapolis Colts at the Tottenham Hotspur Stadium in London, England. And they must win.
The Colts are tricky to evaluate right now. They have an abundance of talent. Quarterback Daniel Jones made an incredible recovery from a torn Achilles tendon, and running back Jonathan Taylor remains a prolific backfield threat that must be accounted for on every snap.
Wide receiver Alec Pierce, a target for Washington this offseason, might be healthy by this point. Tyler Warren is a prolific tight end, and the offensive line should be stable enough for Jones to make plays.
On defense, DeForest Buckner brings forceful impact in the trenches. They have one of the league's best shutdown cornerbacks in Sauce Gardner, and Cam Bynum is a tone-setting presence on the back end.
Again, this will be a tough assignment for the Commanders. But looking at their first three games of the season, it could be the most winnable of their early stretch.
Getting the chance to bond on international soil will only help. Everyone should be comfortable in the new schemes by now, which should reflect who the Commanders are and who they could become moving forward.
Prediction: Win (2-2)
If Washington loses, the heat on Dan Quinn will be palpable. But the Commanders have enough to get the job done if they can contain Taylor.
Commanders vs. NY Giants - Week 5
- Date: Sunday, October 11
- Time: 1:00 p.m. ET
- Venue: Northwest Stadium
- Channel: FOX
The Commanders have no bye week after their international mission. Instead, they return to Northwest Stadium for a divisional clash against the New York Giants.
Following the appointment of head coach John Harbaugh, the Giants are a trendy pick to break out this season. Their defense should be formidable despite trading dominant nose tackle Dexter Lawrence II to the Cincinnati Bengals, spearheaded by a potent edge-rushing group who can flip the script in an instant.
Three-time Pro Bowl edge Brian Burns, Abdul Carter, and Kayvon Thibodeaux have been joined by first-round selection Arvell Reese. This has the makings of a devastating quartet, and the Commanders must counter it effectively to stand any chance of success.
Wide receiver Malik Nabers should be at full speed at this point in the season. Quarterback Jaxson Dart can make things happen, running back Cam Skattebo is a bruising force, and tight end Isaiah Likely is an intriguing addition.
The Commanders have enough talent to make things difficult for the Giants. Any weak links, especially on the offensive line, will be exposed quickly, and one has to wonder how much the travel and time difference from their London trip will affect effort levels.
Prediction: Win (3-2)
Dan Quinn and his players face several hurdles. At the same time, this is a game they can win, and fans will be expecting precisely that when an old adversary comes to town.
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