Great scenario. Great storylines. Let’s get to the matchup …
1. Washington is a different team at home
The numbers say it all: The Commanders average 411.1 total yards per game at home in 2024 (that ranks second in the NFL, behind Detroit), and the Commanders average 183.5 rushing yards per game (best in the NFL) and have scored 29.7 points per game at home. They have controlled the clock and the game, averaging 32 minutes, 8 seconds in time of possession. These are impressive numbers, and they give you the understanding that Washington has a great level of comfort at home and feels the home-field advantage. Clearly, the Eagles need to play well, and they’ve done that on the road, losing only at Tampa Bay this season.
2. A fast start is a great way to play
What a difference 10 first-quarter points made last week for the Eagles in their big win over Pittsburgh! Quarterback Jalen Hurts got into a rhythm early and spread the football around and had his receivers into the game from the jump and the Eagles cruised to a relatively sweat-free win. Given the way Washington has played at home, the best way to start is to come out and put points on the board right away. Make Washington play from behind. Make that offense become one-dimensional. It is all a great vision, a wonderful theory, and it certainly won’t be easy. Washington has won its last two games and the Commanders are feeling like they have something going on defense.
3. CB Marshon Lattimore and his impact
Wide receiver A.J. Brown stood at his locker on Friday and talked about Marshon Lattimore – “He’s a great corner and I’m always excited to go against great players for the sport, honestly.” – and so the challenge is out there. Lattimore made his Washington debut last week and played 49 snaps without a pass going his way. He changed the way the Commanders were able to play coverage in the win over New Orleans. So, what does that mean for this game? Will Lattimore match up with Brown and allow the Washington secondary to play straight up against Brown and DeVonta Smith, and load the box to stop Saquon Barkley and the Eagles’ running game? Washington’s rookie cornerback, Mike Sainristil leads Washington with 11 passes defensed, two interceptions, and he gave the Eagles great competition in the first meeting.
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