Week Four Eagles vs. Commanders Picks
Going into week four, the Philadelphia Eagles will have their first game against a division rival, the Washington Commanders. The Sunday afternoon game in Philadelphia is a game against two teams going in opposite directions as of late. The Eagles are coming off a fairly dominant win against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while the Commanders are coming off being utterly dominated by the Buffalo Bills Last Sunday. The latter game ended up being a 37-3 win for the Bills and did whatever they wanted to for much of the game. Before that game, the Commanders were coming off two hard-fought wins and feeling pretty good about themselves. But now, there are serious questions about whether their offensive line can hold up. Now, they’ll have to take on the best defensive line in the league.
Commanders Could be in for Much of the Same
A major proponent of last week’s disaster for the Commanders was their horrendous play from their offensive line. Against the Bills, the Commanders let up a staggering nine sacks and quarterback Sam Howell was constantly under duress. The Commanders lead the league in sacks allowed this season so far with 19. They have allowed 6 more sacks than the next team and have let up four or more sacks a game.
This does not bode well going against Jalen Carter and company and it could be another disaster. However, there are some positives with the Commanders. When Howell has had time in the pocket, he has shown some ability to get the ball to some of the Commanders’ playmakers like Terry McLaurin and Curtis Samuel. Also, they have been able to run the ball and be effective that way as well. Being able to keep the Eagles honest on defense by running and controlling the ball will be key for Washington in this game.
The Other Side of the Trenches
On the defensive side, the Commanders have real talent across the front. Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat, and Chase Young make up a fantastic front four. Together, they can alter games, but against the Eagles, their work is more than cut out for them. The Commanders’ front four needs to be able to control the line of scrimmage and at least hold their own against the Eagles run game. The Commanders can’t afford to go down quickly in this game and are forced to be a heavy passing team.
If at any point the Commanders become one-dimensional, their offensive line will suffer exactly like they did against the Bills. Plus, the Eagles’ passing offense has looked off-beat, even with a better performance last week against Tampa Bay. The way the Commanders upset the Eagles is to be able to run the ball enough to set up deep passes from Howell to get an early lead and force the Eagles themselves to be a heavy-passing team. But it’s easier said than done.
Eagles vs. Commanders Picks: Bottom Line
Eagles Win 37-16
It’s too hard to believe in the worst offensive line in the league overcoming the best defensive line in the league in today’s passing game. While the Commanders can make some plays and even gave the Eagles their first loss last season, it seems too much of a difference to overlook. Especially with the form of Jalen Carter, along with Jordan Davis who have almost wrecked offenses by themselves so far this season. There is a path for a surprise Commanders’ win with the way the Eagles’ passing game has been. However, a Commanders’ win would still be a massive surprise and undoubtedly a big disappointment for the Eagles. Expect the Eagles to keep their undefeated season alive this time going beyond week four.
Main Photo: [Kim Klement Neitzel] – USA Today Sports
