Sam Cosmi and 4 Commanders on the hot seat entering Week 13 vs. Titans
By Dean Jones
Sam Cosmi - Commanders OL
This season has been a largely new feeling for Sam Cosmi. He's more used to planning his offseason vacation at this time of year. Instead, the formidable right guard finds himself fighting to help the Washington Commanders make the postseason.
Cosmi's been forced to switch his mindset since head coach Dan Quinn came into the franchise. Having a winning culture came with an adjustment period. The former second-round selection responded positively. He also got a supreme vote of confidence from the new regime with a lucrative contract extension before the campaign.
The Commanders are counting on Cosmi more than ever in Week 13. The Texas product must respond accordingly after arguably his worst performance of the season against the Dallas Cowboys. Inspiring his teammates and providing assured protection versus an outstanding Tennessee Titans defensive front is crucial.
There's no doubting Cosmi's credentials. He's a prolific pass protector at the peak of his powers. Hopefully, last weekend's indifferent outing was nothing more than a blip when it's all said and done.
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels left himself too much to chase last weekend against the Cowboys. It was another disjointed performance overall from the quarterback, who didn't look comfortable until the fourth quarter and continued his hesitant stretch of performances at the worst possible time.
One could argue that Daniels hasn't been the same signal-caller since his rib injury versus the Carolina Panthers. There are no restrictions on his production potential now, so getting back to what worked previously is the only way Washington's campaign isn't going to spiral out of control.
Daniels faces another stern test of his credentials this weekend. The Titans have a stout defensive front and a prolific edge rusher in Harold Landry III. Their secondary also boasts some decent options despite missing cornerback L'Jarius Sneed. Nothing but improved poise and conviction will do.
Nobody is pressing the panic button just yet where Daniels is concerned. He was always going to hit the rookie wall and go through complications at some stage. How the No. 2 overall selection out of LSU responds in the face of significant adversity will go a long way to determining Washington's hopes.
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