The Washington Commanders couldn't keep up their momentum against the Los Angeles Rams, falling to a disappointing loss. And one has to wonder just how much this changes for general manager Adam Peters before the trade deadline.
Peters recently stated during an interview with The Sports Junkies on 106.7 The Fan that the result of this one wouldn't have a great effect on his approach before the November 10 cut-off point. But looking at how the Commanders let a winnable game slip through their grasp, this team is nowhere near ready to contend.
The record doesn't lie. You can point to injuries or other bad luck, but the Commanders are 2-5-1 for a reason. They are also three games behind the New York Giants before their trip to MetLife Stadium for Thursday Night Football, and a loss there would all but end their campaign.
Commanders should think twice about buying at the trade deadline
Would a trade for a wide receiver, running back, or another position really change all that much?
Unlikely, and even though it cannot be completely dismissed, Peters must think long and hard about weighing risk versus reward here.
If the Commanders had won, and they were right in the game until the end, it would be a different story. That wasn't the case, as the Rams' superstars showed up at the right time to tip the scales in their favor.
The Commanders don't have nearly as many needle-movers. Quarterback Jayden Daniels tried valiantly, and the defense kept fighting, but the execution in key moments was nowhere near good enough.
And if Peters wanted further proof that trading for anyone would be ill-advised, he now has it.
If anything, Peters should be looking to sell. That will be more difficult with wide receiver Terry McLaurin and defensive lineman Daron Payne done for the season, but he has to try.
However, the most likely course now is standing pat.
Commanders are not one trade away from turning things around
The Commanders have to take their medicine. It's not ideal, but throwing draft picks at one problem when there are several holding them back just doesn't seem smart.
Just stick with what you have, and hope they can improve.
If not, then the Commanders will have some high draft picks to utilize next year.
Nobody wants to wave the white flag. Peters is a proud man, and head coach Dan Quinn is still trying to galvanize his troops to save his job. Selling assets goes against that, and buying just seems like desperation when the reality paints a different picture.
The Commanders are going nowhere fast. Peters now has to assess, and there isn't much time.
But nothing about this performance suggests the Commanders are ready to go on a run in the second half of 2026.
That's the cold, hard truth. And Peters needs to see this situation for what it is.
Add us as a preferred source on Google