Retour
The NFC East is wide open after seven weeks, even for the 1-4-1 Washington Commanders. However, if they lose Sunday night to the 2-4 Philadelphia Eagles, it will effectively eliminate them from the playoff conversation.
“Real important. I mean, every game’s important. But, you trying to get this one, be 1-0,” linebacker Odafe Oweh said. “This is an opponent that we can, that we’re used to, division game and everything. You know, obviously, this division’s real tight. So we, wanna get this one.”
Both teams come into this game with injury woes. Washington will be without top wide receiver Terry McLaurin for the rest of the season. Running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt is still on injured reserve, along with many other players. On Friday, defensive tackle Daron Payne was lost for the season with a foot injury. Philadelphia also has plenty of injury problems. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is out for the rest of the season. Wide receiver DeVonta Smith is out again, and three running backs are on IR.
With Hurts out, Tanner McKee is serving as Philadelphia’s starting quarterback. McKee has lost both starts so far this season, only has two touchdown passes and has been sacked five times. For Oweh and the rest of Washington’s defense, they are salivating to get after him.
“Whenever I get an opportunity to rush, I’m salivating,” Oweh said. “So, we’re gonna bring pressure towards him. See how he reacts, and hopefully he folds.”
Philadelphia’s offensive line has also been dismantled by injuries, retirement and a trade. This makes McKee vulnerable in the pocket and should allow the Commanders’ defense the opportunity to take over the game.