Watch out now.
The Washington Commanders are 7-5 and within the thick of the NFC playoff race after beginning the season 1-4. Despite all of the dysfunction swirling round this workforce, they’ve discovered a option to climb out of that gap with severe playoff potential nonetheless in sight. And they’ve managed to maintain tempo in what’s turn out to be arguably the most effective division in soccer — all 4 groups are over .500 — in a single day.
What makes this run for the Commanders extra spectacular is that they’ve performed it with Taylor Heinicke beneath middle. Washington is 5-1 when Heinicke begins this 12 months. There’s one thing about his power this workforce feeds off. It seems like guys wish to observe him and go all out in a method no workforce has ever performed for Carson Wentz.
With all of the drama popping out of the entrance workplace in Washington recurrently, it’s a marvel the Commanders received any video games. Dan Snyder is eternally caught up in some scandal. Whether it stems from alleged sexual harassment/misconduct within the office, accusations of dishonest different NFL house owners out of cash, or the workforce bungling an anniversary ceremony for a deceased former participant, there’s all the time one thing unfavourable to report with the Commanders.
So, the actual fact this workforce shouldn’t be solely within the hunt however solely a few wins away from securing a wild-card spot is kind of outstanding. Sure, Washington is in final place in a troublesome NFC East, however the Commanders journey to New York to face the Giants this week and, with a win, would transfer to 8-4 and into third. Keep in thoughts the Giants did lose to the Detroit Lions at residence two weeks in the past. After that, no loss anyplace ought to shock Giants followers.
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During this run, the Commanders have relied on their protection because it’s improved considerably throughout their upswing. In their final seven video games (six of which they’ve received), the Commanders have held opponents to 17 factors or much less in 5 of them. They haven’t allowed greater than 21 in any of these video games. Washington’s performed this with out arguably its greatest defensive participant Chase Young, who hasn’t performed one down this 12 months. Young continues to be recovering from knee surgical procedure and will make his season debut quickly.
No one expects something out of the Commanders ought to they make the postseason. But we additionally didn’t anticipate them to be this good, particularly after such a slow begin. At this price, the NFC East is on tempo to place all 4 groups within the playoffs. Something that’s by no means occurred within the historical past of the NFL. Washington received’t be favored to win a lot if this occurs, but when any workforce overlooks them, they’ve obtained the protection and luck on their aspect to drag off a minimum of one large upset come January.
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