The NFL Playoffs are coming into focus. The Washington Commanders have won seven games, but it might not be enough to make the playoffs. Losing two straight hurt their chances, but there is hope. While the fanbase and the team are happy they are doing far better than last year’s 4-13 record, Washington faced two dismal losses that hurt their momentum. Losing in Week 10 to the Pittsburgh Steelers 28-27, and then to the Philadelphia Eagles in Week 11 26-18, the Commanders will have to right the ship on Nov. 24 when they face the Dallas Cowboys at home. Will the Commanders end up making the NFL Playoffs?
What Do Their Chances Look Like?
With their recent two losses, the Commanders are now ranked No. 2 in the NFC East. The good thing is they own that position. The New York Giants are 2-8, and the Dallas Cowboys are 3-6. The only way they miss the NFL Playoffs is to lose out through the regular season, or if other teams in the NFC play at a higher level. The second is more likely to happen than the first, which makes the NFL Playoffs more about math at the moment.
According to Sports Illustrated’s Joanne Coley, Washington can make the playoffs, but there is an equation. “Let’s break it down: the Lions (9-1) and Eagles (8-2) are running the NFC right now, and the Packers’ win has put additional pressure on Washington, while the Vikings (8-2) and Rams (5-5) also pose threats.” Coley added, “The Commanders have a 25 percent shot at staying in the seventh seed and a 26 percent chance of bumping up to sixth. They also have a 19 percent chance of completely missing the playoffs, which isn’t a comforting stat.”
Dallas will enter Sunday’s game without Quarterback Dak Prescott, who is now officially on injured reserve, NFL Insider Ian Rapoport reported Monday afternoon. Prescott is dealing with a partially torn hamstring that was injured in their Week 9 loss to the Atlanta Falcons. While it’s only speculation that could change the momentum of that game, the Commanders need to prepare for the Cowboys to play in desperation mode as a spoiler.
Commanders Closing Out Games Key To NFL Playoffs
Thursday’s loss made it two in a row for Commanders Head Coach Dan Quinn, a first this season. “Not having the execution that we were counting on, that left a mark,” he told reporters last week after Thursday’s loss. “We knew that adversity comes. It just does. That’s our game, that’s why we love it so much. There are hard parts and tonight’s hard. I even said that in the last two games. These are tough. They test your resolve, they build some of your resilience,” he explained. Quinn also said losing games like these highlights the reason closing games is important.
In Thursday’s loss to the Eagles, the Commanders were owned in the fourth quarter where the Eagles scored 20 points to their eight. Quinn said those lessons learned, in being the team they want to be are important. “Those have to go down on our teams. We’ve been pretty good in that spot…over the last two weeks we weren’t able to demonstrate that and express that to the fullest level.”
Final Thoughts
At 7-4, the Commanders risk being perceived as a flash in the pan if they don’t make the NFL Playoffs. With an explosive rookie quarterback and a team that has dealt with its share of injuries, more is required. Anyone would say that. The common denominator between winning seven games so far, and only winning four games last season is the NFL Playoffs.
It would be a shame for the Commanders to start the season scaring the NFL with their performance only to be looked at as “what could have been” in the end. That’s a conversation no one wants to be a part of. Yet, here we are again facing down those doubts. However, for Quarterback Jayden Daniels, Sunday’s game vs. Dallas needs to be his best: Why? Because it’s Dallas. He needs to dismantle them to prove he has control of what’s going on. Coming off of two losses? No mercy can be given. The fans will call for it, and they would be right to do so. Entering the NFL Playoffs is what will make this season all worth it.
