It's a journey into the unknown for this Washington Commanders squad. However, they have plenty of big-game performers who've been deep into the postseason on previous teams.
Zach Ertz is one of them.
The veteran tight end is a three-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl winner with the Philadelphia Eagles. He knows what it takes to reach the pinnacle and galvanized his career with the Commanders after reuniting with Kliff Kingsbury. Washington needs all this and more in the Divisional Round at the Detroit Lions.
Ertz's proven capabilities to bring in tough catches across the middle and become an asset in the red zone have been a major asset for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels throughout the campaign. His outstanding leadership in the locker room assisted head coach Dan Quinn's culture restoration enormously. Even at 34 years old, the former second-round pick's still got some juice left in the tank.
Zach Ertz highlights key to Commanders' success at the Lions
The magnitude of this occasion isn't lost on Ertz. He knows the significance of playing deep into the knockout rounds — it's what every player strives for. He also highlighted the key element that will make the difference between success and failure when the Commanders enter the hostile environment of Ford Field on Saturday Night Football.
"It's all about execution at the end of the day. And for us, it's about not turning the football over and forcing as many turnovers as we can. Because last week, in the playoffs, the teams that won the turnover battle were 4-0, so that's not lost on us. Obviously, on offense, we've got to do our part by taking care of the football. But the game is always going to come down to who can make the most plays at the end. They're going to be close games. They're going to be very tight games. It's who can execute when the game's on the line. We've got a lot of confidence in all three phases, but it doesn't mean anything. We've got to go out there and prove it. This is the best time of year to be playing football."Zach Ertz
Commanders TE Zach Ertz knows playoff football. Big game player.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) January 16, 2025
I asked him, is it the team that makes the big play or the big mistake that usually decides these games?
Zach told me, "last week, the team's that won the turnover battle were 4-0. That's not lost on us." pic.twitter.com/rzkTQkV4yk
The Commanders were smart with the football at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. They controlled the clock and made very few mistakes. That must continue versus the Lions in pursuit of staying competitive against the NFC's No. 1 seed.
It won't be easy. The Commanders need to start well and try to take Detroit's raucous fanbase out of the equation. They have plenty of young players all entering unchartered territory. Relying on the experience of Ertz and others is integral.
Ertz doesn't have many more opportunities like this. He should get another deal in Washington if he wants it, but there's just no telling for sure. He'll be giving it everything and his teammates will follow suit.
Washington is playing with house money to a certain extent. Winning 12 games was way beyond preseason expectations. Advancing in the playoffs even more so. That doesn't mean they're going to roll over and accept their fate versus one of the leading favorites to lift the Super Bowl. Their mentality won't allow that no matter who's in front of them.
Protect the football. Create some turnovers. Make every moment count in the clutch. That was the message from Ertz that should give them a fighting chance of nothing else.