What Challenges Do the Washington Commanders Face in the Playoffs?

Washington Commanders Dan Quinn Reveals Reason For Benching Jayden Daniels  In 23-19 Win Over Dallas Cowboys - Athlon Sports

Things could only get better for the Washington Commanders after their disastrous 2023 campaign. They conceded the most points in the NFL, had the worst points differential, and sacked their coach Ron Rivera and his staff at the end of a 4-13 campaign. Forget Super Bowl odds. This was the year from hell. The defensive coordinator was fired after a galling 45-10 blowout to Dallas on Thanksgiving.

Washington’s New Owner Josh Harris Hits The Bullseye

New owner Josh Harris will be pleased that 2024 is a roaring success compared to the last seven years. The unfashionable and unfancied Commanders flew out of the blocks and showed themselves to be one of the most exciting teams in the NFL. Harris, who replaced the unpopular Dan Snyder, looks like an owner who loves the ball game. That’s engaged the fans.

Jayden Daniels Is Electric

Defensive coordinator Dan Quinn was brought in as head coach alongside offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury who taught Patrick Mahomes in college. 

The results in the first nine games were hugely impressive and there have been some eye-popping moments. Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels delivered one of the outstanding plays with a Hail Mary touchdown pass to defeat the Chicago Bears right at the death in October.

The Commanders are a collective going places with an offensive line that has exploded from nowhere. The franchise hadn’t featured in the top 10 for either yards or points for the previous seven seasons. Now there’s electricity and it isn’t all down to Daniels. Experienced running back Austin Ekeler has been brought in and benefited from Daniels’ quick release.

Veteran tight end Zach Ertz is enjoying a late honeymoon period in the team, with over 50 catches for more than 500 yards. What he really brings to the table over and above the statistics is presence. Ertz has been there in the red heat of battle. The 34-year-old has not only alleviated the tight end issue of the Commanders, but he also has buckets of experience from eight playoff games, including the 2017 Super Bowl when the Philadelphia Eagles beat the New England Patriots. Ertz has said in press conferences that he feels younger and the impact of an old wise head with a new zest for life is crucial in knitting the team together.

Washington’s Trio of Losses 

There have been a few recent obstacles to the path towards the playoffs though. The previously impressive record of 7-2 has wilted in recent weeks. Losses to the Steelers in a one-point game, Philadelphia and Dallas dropped them from first place in the NFC East to the Conference’s final wild-card spot. 

Some of the prime issues were brewing in the previous matches despite the winning streak. The conversion rates on third down were as low as the mid-30s when they were previously over 50 per cent. Ultimately, playoffs are wars of attrition, and the leakage of opportunities must be stopped.

There has also been an offensive imbalance. Washington can’t keep knocking up 30 and 40 points, especially if Ekeler has any more concussions and Bryan Robinson Jr. picks up a knock. Daniels himself has also been playing through sore ribs so the team engine has been spluttering in adverse circumstances.

Commanders Have One Game At A Time Mantra

Getting to the playoffs after such a difficult period under previous management is going to be such an achievement. Once there, the team will have to learn fast because Washington haven’t beaten anyone with a winning record so far. There is a scenario where they can grab the No. 6 spot from the Green Bay Packers, but coach Quinn doesn’t look beyond the next game. Staying in the moment has been a strength of the unit.

Washington’s main goal – they are unlikely to win the NFC East title – is to retain that 6th seed. If it is the latter, then there will be a top-tier team waiting in the form of the Eagles or the Detroit Lions. The game would also be away. It is hard to see how they can defeat either on the road under that pressure. A win against Seattle, Atlanta or even Tampa is more doable.

Ultimately, Washington is enjoying their run. The Northwest Stadium is a happy place to be again after years of mediocrity and turmoil. There’s still a feeling that Washington is a second-tier team despite the new injection of hope and cash. However, the media pack were wrong about them before the start of the season. For now, they need to secure the wins to cement the playoff place. Every match means something. There is no dead ball game. At this point in the season, even being in the equation is a giant step forward.

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