The Washington Commanders are facing a critical juncture in their season, one that has come sooner than expected. Despite being at less than full strength, the team is already dealing with a three-game losing streak and is only halfway through a tough stretch in their schedule. Following a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs on Monday night, the Commanders will host the Seattle Seahawks this Sunday before taking on a strong Detroit team. The challenge now is whether Washington can secure wins against either of these two opponents before the schedule becomes more manageable.
Head coach Dan Quinn emphasized the importance of focusing on the upcoming game against Seattle. “We only got one game against Seattle, so focus on that one,” quarterback Jayden Daniels said. “We got to go out here and try to get a win.”
Daniels was able to return to practice this week after missing the previous game due to a hamstring injury. However, receiver Terry McLaurin re-injured his quadriceps and will be sidelined for the weekend. Even if fully healthy, the Commanders (3-5) face a difficult task against a Seattle team that has been performing well recently. The Seahawks (5-2) lost 38-35 to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 5 but have held every other opponent to 20 points or fewer. Their defense has been particularly effective against the run, which has been a key part of Washington's offensive strategy. Teams are averaging just 75.7 yards per game on the ground against Seattle.
“We want to be aggressive, we want to be physical, without hitting all the coaching buzzwords,” Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald said. “But that really is who we want to be, we want to be attacking and unrelenting and play an exciting brand of ball.”
Sam staying upright
Last season, the Seahawks struggled to keep quarterback Geno Smith upright, allowing the third-most sacks in the NFL. However, this season, Sam Darnold has been sacked only nine times in seven games. The Seahawks' offensive line has made significant improvements under first-year offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak.
“I think first of all, it’s a credit to the guys up front,” Darnold said. “Those guys are doing a really good job protecting, communicating, certain looks that are really tough to pick up. I feel like our backs, our tight ends as well in protection are doing a really good job when needed. And then, when it comes to myself, just being able to get the ball out.”
Cornerbacks coming back
For much of the season, the Seahawks have dealt with injuries to their secondary. Second-round pick Nick Emmanwori missed three weeks after an injury in Week 1, cornerback Devon Witherspoon has played only two games due to a knee injury, and safety Julian Love hasn’t played since Week 4 because of a hamstring issue. While reserves like Nehemiah Pritchett and Derion Kendrick have stepped up, their roles may decrease as Emmanwori returns and Witherspoon appears close to making a comeback.
Smith-Njigba’s success
Wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba has been a standout performer for the Seahawks, leading the NFL in receiving yards with 819 through seven games. He was named the NFC offensive player of the month after recording 24 catches for 417 yards in October.
“It’s special, man, it’s special,” Smith-Njigba said. “Football, it takes everyone. So, I want to give that out to my team, honestly, because without defense getting those opportunities and O-line doing their thing, Sam doing his thing — it’s bigger than me.”
Smith-Njigba is on pace for 1,989 yards receiving, just 25 yards short of Calvin Johnson’s 2012 record of 1,964. “I mean anything can happen, honestly,” he said. “That’s the mindset I have. So, I’m just grateful for today, the opportunity to come out here on Thursday and prepare for Sunday night. Like I said, anything can happen. And that’s kind of the mindset I have, just the day to day, to get better.”
Rookie contributor
Bill Croskey-Merritt has emerged as a key rookie for the Commanders, rushing for 402 yards, ranking fourth among NFL rookies. However, against the Chiefs, he managed only 25 yards on nine carries, highlighting the team’s struggles to run the ball effectively.
“We're going to dig in hard,” Quinn said. “This is a team with an excellent defensive line, big guys, speed edges, the whole thing.”