The Washington Commanders’ red-hot start to the 2024 NFL season has hit a frigid patch, and fans are beginning to worry. With two losses in just five days, the Commanders now sit at 7-4, watching their early-season momentum fizzle as doubts creep into their playoff hopes.
Eagles Defense Crushes Commanders’ Comeback Hopes
On Thursday night, the Philadelphia Eagles defense, operating as one of the league’s most dominant units, completely stymied the Commanders. Led by rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, Washington managed just 264 yards of total offense and scored only 18 points in a 26-18 defeat. The Eagles forced the Commanders into a dismal 3-for-12 conversion rate on third downs, effectively shutting down Washington’s ability to sustain drives.
Trailing 19-10 late in the fourth quarter, Daniels had a chance to stage a heroic comeback. But that dream ended abruptly when Eagles safety Reed Blankenship intercepted Daniels on the first play of the drive. It was a moment that highlighted the struggles of a once-potent Commanders offense that suddenly looks disjointed.
After the game, Daniels shared a heartfelt moment with veteran tight end Zach Ertz, the intended target on the interception.
“We were just talking about what we need to improve on,” Daniels said. “Zach’s been through this type of stuff in his career, and he was uplifting me, saying, ‘No other person I’d rather catch the ball from.’ It’s a long season, so keep your head up and keep moving forward.”
Commanders’ Offense in Decline Under Kliff Kingsbury?
The Commanders’ offensive woes are becoming a trend, and fingers are pointing at offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. His track record, particularly during his time as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, raises red flags. Critics recall how Kingsbury’s offenses often fizzled in the second half of the season, and similar patterns may already be emerging in Washington.
The offense has faltered in critical situations, most notably on third downs, and its inability to adapt is glaring. Following a nail-biting loss to the Steelers, the Commanders’ disheartening performance against the Eagles feels like déjà vu. If Kingsbury can’t right the ship, Washington’s postseason dreams could slip away.
A Glimmer of Hope Amidst the Chaos
Despite the mounting concerns, the Commanders have a golden opportunity to steady the ship. Their upcoming schedule includes games against the struggling Dallas Cowboys, Tennessee Titans, and New Orleans Saints—three teams that have largely lost control of their seasons. With winnable matchups on the horizon, the Commanders could turn their current 7-4 record into a commanding 10-4, regaining momentum and silencing critics.
However, the margin for error is razor-thin. A single misstep against any of these opponents could spell disaster, especially with the NFC East race heating up.
What’s Next for Washington?
The Commanders need answers—and fast. Jayden Daniels has shown flashes of brilliance, but the rookie must overcome growing pains and avoid costly mistakes like Thursday’s interception. Kingsbury, too, needs to prove he can adapt his playcalling and get the most out of this offense when it matters most.
For now, Washington’s fate lies in their ability to capitalize on a favorable stretch of games. Anything less than a clean sweep against their next three opponents could doom their NFC East title hopes and make their early-season success a distant memory. It’s time for the Commanders to prove they belong in the postseason conversation—or risk falling apart when it matters most.
