Commanders Playoff Hopes: Part I

Heading into Week 17 of the NFL season, the Washington Commanders are the seventh seed in the NFC and 1/2 game up on the Lions, Seahawks and Packers. They will play at home against the Browns and Cowboys in their final two games and they control their own destiny. If they win out they will make the playoffs. If they lose even once, however, there is a good possibility they won't make it. Now with Carson Wentz replacing Taylor Heinicke at quarterback, I thought I would give the two things the Commanders need to do to win this week.

Keep the offense the same

With Wentz the Commanders are getting a better deep ball thrower. This offense is set up to be a vertical power run offense that controls the clock and dominates time of possession. When Wentz was starting at the beginning of the season it was set-up to be a pass heavy offense that was always looking for the big plays.

For the team to have any success they need to live by this phrase "IF IT AIN'T BROKE DON'T FIX IT." The Commanders need to keep their run heavy schemes because it has worked extremely well. Wentz isn’t as mobile as he used to be but in this offense he will most likely have too. The offensive line is still bad and will have to deal with Myles Garrett this weekend, so Wentz will need to not let that force him into rushed plays that turn into interceptions.

Defensive pressure must be present

Chase Young is back and this couldn’t come at a better time. The defensive line now has their four first round picks all on the field which I will be dubbing “Capital Punishment” Deshaun Watson has looked rusty since his return (shocking I know) and the Commanders have to take advantage of that. If they can get pressure, it improves their chances significantly. Without it you are relying on a subpar secondary where a number of starters aren’t 100% healthy. Hopefully Young, Jonathan Allen, Daron Payne (PAY THE MAN), and Montez Sweat will make Watson want to go back to Houston.

My prediction

As much as I want Washington to make the playoffs, I don't know if it will happen. I don't know if I trust Wentz. I hope Wentz decides to play in his MVP form and not his "chuck. the ball down field and pray his receiver catches it" form. My final prediction is...

Browns 17, Commanders 24

I'm a homer so I have to pick my team.

For those of you waiting for my “What ifs,” like I said they take a long time to actually research, but I almost have one done. It will be out soon I promise.

Happy New Year everyone!