The Washington Commanders are sitting at 2-5-1. They defeated the Philadelphia Eagles before their bye week and came up just short against the Los Angeles Rams, San Francisco 49ers, New York Giants and the Eagles in the season opener.

Watching each game, it feels like Washington is so close to actually being a good team. But it is halfway through the season, and it is time to be more than close. They needed to start putting things together on both sides of the ball, starting with their game against the New York Giants on Thursday.

“Now, right? What’s the point of being close? We are eight games in. Either you figure it out, or you’ll continue to find yourself in the same position, having the same conversation, trying to get the same results,” linebacker K’Lavon Chaisson said. “So, figure it out now. Every week is a now-or-never week, man. It’s not time to be trying to figure out, ‘Oh, we’re almost there, almost there, almost there.’ Either you’re there, or you’re not. So, once again, the game plan for the defense is very simple. Stop the run. Find ways to limit one [WR Malik Nabers] and nine [TE Isaiah Likely] with their explosive plays. But, we should be in good shape for sure.”

Washington’s last game against the Giants ended in embarrassing fashion. What should have been a walk-off win for the Commanders turned into the NFL’s worst tie. They will have a chance for redemption on Thursday Night Football, where a win against New York could greatly help Washington keep their slim playoff chances alive.