Tag: Washington Commanders

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NFL (American Football)

Philadelphia Eagles Set to Host the Washington Commanders For NFC Championship At Lincoln Financial Field

Washington Commanders players in the 2nd half of the game

The Philadelphia Eagles will face the Washington Commanders next week in the NFC championship game at Lincoln Financial Field after defeating the Los Angeles Rams in the divisional round.

Here’s what you need to know before the big game between the Eagles and their NFC East rival:

When is the Eagles-Commanders game?

The NFC championship game will take place next Sunday at 3 p.m. at the Linc. The game will be broadcast on Fox.

When do tickets go on sale?

Tickets for Sunday’s NFC championship game are available now. You can buy them through Ticketmaster.com, with a limit of four tickets per household. As of Tuesday evening, ticket prices ranged from about $600 to more than $4,000.

Resale tickets can also be found on Ticketmaster, SeatGeek, and StubHub.

According to StubHub, tickets for the Eagles-Commanders game were outselling those for the AFC championship between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills by 145% on Tuesday.

How did the Eagles and Commanders perform in the regular season?

The NFC championship will be the third meeting this season between the Eagles and Commanders. They split their regular season series.

In Week 11, the Eagles won 26-18, with Saquon Barkley scoring two touchdowns and rushing for 146 yards.

In Week 16, the Commanders won 36-33, after Jalen Hurts left the game with a concussion. Backup quarterback Kenny Pickett stepped in and threw for 143 yards, a touchdown, and an interception.

Philadelphia Eagles players celebrates after a touchdown

How did the Eagles and Commanders reach the NFC championship?

Both teams won two playoff games to reach the NFC title game. The Eagles defeated the Green Bay Packers in the wild-card round and the Rams in the divisional round.

The Commanders knocked out the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the Detroit Lions to make it to the championship game.

To reach the Super Bowl for the second time in three years, the Eagles will have to beat one of their all-time great players, Zach Ertz.

Ertz, who caught the winning touchdown in the Eagles’ Super Bowl victory over the New England Patriots, now plays for the Commanders as a tight end.

Ertz spent nine seasons with the Eagles after being drafted in 2013. He ranks fifth all-time in franchise history in receiving yards, second in catches, and seventh in receiving touchdowns.

He was traded to the Arizona Cardinals in 2021 and later signed with the Commanders.

Ertz had his best season since 2019 in 2024, with 66 catches, 654 yards, and seven receiving touchdowns. He had five catches for 28 yards and a touchdown in the Commanders’ divisional round win over the Lions.

The 76ers’ connection to the Commanders

Josh Harris, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, has been in the news lately. He is also a co-owner of the Washington Commanders, so expect to hear more about him ahead of Sunday’s NFC title game.

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NFL (American Football)

The Commanders are headed to their first conference championship in 33 years, marking a historic moment for Washington

Washington Commanders players after a pass

The Washington Commanders, yes, the Washington Commanders, are in the NFC Championship. While no one — not even Commanders fans — expected this before the season, the unthinkable has happened. For the first time since the 1991 season, Washington is one of the last four teams left in the NFL playoffs.

To put it into perspective, that season was over 30 years ago, when the internet was just becoming available to the public (with only one website to visit), Vanilla Ice was a pop culture icon, and Joe’s Crab Shack had just started serving seafood. It’s hard to imagine a time without Joe’s Crab Shack, right?

Back in ’91, the Commanders not only won the NFC Championship but also defeated the Buffalo Bills in the Super Bowl. Could history be about to repeat itself? Let’s look at the numbers to see if Washington might be on the path to another title.

The Case for the Commanders

First, let’s consider a stat that could boost Washington’s chances: extra rest. Teams that play on Saturday in the divisional round — like the Commanders did — have a solid record of 20-10 in the conference title round over the past 15 years. And here’s a surprising stat: at least one team playing on Saturday has made it to the Super Bowl in 17 of the past 19 years. So, Washington’s odds of making it to the big game could be better than they seem.

Why does the extra day matter? It’s simple: while the Eagles were fighting in a tough one-score game in a snowstorm against the Rams, the Commanders were at home, resting comfortably and watching the Lions lose. Advantage, Washington, right?

However, before thinking this is a done deal, there’s a catch: the Commanders are playing on the road, and home-field advantage has been significant in NFC Championship games. In the last 11 years, the home team has won 9 times.

This includes two dominant wins by the Eagles, where they outscored their opponents 69-14. On the other hand, the AFC has seen a more balanced playoff history, with home teams winning 8 of the past 11 seasons.

A Washington Commander and a Nike Logo are seen on a player’s uniform before the game

A Road to Glory?

It’s not impossible for road teams to succeed — Washington is 2-0 on the road in the postseason — but the numbers aren’t in the Commanders’ favor. Road teams this postseason are 2-8, so Washington has an uphill battle. However, they are the one team with the potential to pull off an upset.

NFC Championship Pick

The matchup: Washington (14-5) at Philadelphia (16-3), 3 p.m. ET (Fox).

I’m relieved the Eagles won in the divisional round because it keeps alive the greatest rivalry in sports: Me vs. Eagles fans. No other fanbase reacts quicker when I pick against them — 18 minutes after my divisional round picks went live, an Eagles fan was already calling me out.

Sure, I may have picked against Philly six times this season and gone 0-6 in those picks, but let’s be real: I always picked them to win in their losses. Maybe I’ve subconsciously accepted that, who knows?

But here we are, with the Commanders — my new favorite team, thanks to their victory over the Lions that made me look smart. Can I really pick against them now? Do I dare pick the Eagles again? Maybe. But Washington’s run has been amazing.

Here’s the kicker: Washington is in the NFC Championship with a rookie quarterback. Getting this far with a first-year starter is nearly impossible. It’s like running a marathon in flip-flops while carrying a baby — not an easy task.

So, am I talking myself into picking Washington over Philadelphia in this NFC Championship? Let’s see if I’m ready to pick a team that’s made me a believer, despite the odds.

Stay tuned to see if the Commanders’ incredible playoff run continues or if the Eagles will reach the Super Bowl. One thing is certain: this NFC Championship will be one for the books.

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NFL (American Football)

Commanders focus on Eagles’ Barkley before NFC Championship in Philadelphia

Saquon Barkley reacts in the 2nd half

The Washington Commanders know they have a tough challenge ahead against the Philadelphia Eagles. Their focus remains on what it has been in the past two meetings: stopping Saquon Barkley. This has been a struggle for Washington and other teams all season.

Barkley’s Impact on Washington

Barkley proved to be a serious threat in both games against Washington. In those two games, he rushed for a total of 296 yards and scored four touchdowns. However, there was a clear contrast in his runs: out of 55 runs, 26 were for 2 yards or less, but he also had three runs for 130 yards and three touchdowns.

Barkley had an impressive regular season, rushing for 2,005 yards and was considered for MVP. In the playoff win against the Los Angeles Rams, he rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries.

Washington’s defense knows stopping Barkley will be a key to their success. Linebacker Bobby Wagner emphasized the importance of staying disciplined throughout the game since Barkley has the ability to break off big runs at any moment.

Washington’s defense has struggled with the run all season. They ranked 30th in rushing yards allowed per game and 28th in yards per carry. In two earlier games against Philadelphia, they allowed over 200 rushing yards in both.

The Commanders understand that the Eagles’ offense has more than just Barkley to worry about. Quarterback Jalen Hurts is also a running threat. In their previous games against Washington, Hurts rushed for 80 yards on 13 carries. However, Hurts did sustain a concussion in the second game and did not return, which may have limited his ability to make plays.

If Hurts is still affected by a knee injury, Washington might be able to focus more on stopping Barkley. But they are preparing for a full-strength Eagles team with Hurts, top receivers DeVonta Smith and A.J. Brown, and a strong offensive line.

Washington Commanders players celebrate a touchdown in the 1st half

Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. is clear about how Washington will handle Hurts. He mentioned they plan to treat Hurts like a running back and hit him hard, putting the decision in the Eagles’ hands whether to expose him to those kinds of hits.

Eagles’ coach Nick Sirianni acknowledged this approach and said they are cautious in how they use Hurts to protect him. However, Whitt’s main focus remains Barkley.

Past Encounters with Barkley

Commanders’ coach Dan Quinn knows Barkley well, having faced him six times when he was the defensive coordinator for the Dallas Cowboys. Barkley had mixed success against Dallas, averaging just 49.3 yards per game against them, with a high of 81 yards in a game.

However, in the Commanders’ game against Philadelphia in November, Barkley showed his explosive abilities. After being held to 70 yards through three quarters, he rushed for 90 yards on 11 carries in the fourth, scoring two touchdowns.

In the next meeting, Barkley rushed for 123 yards and two touchdowns in the first half, with a 68-yard touchdown run. The Commanders did manage to limit him to 27 yards on 16 carries in the second half.

Quinn emphasized Barkley’s unique skill set, noting his combination of quickness and power. “It’s the explosive plays that he can create,” Quinn said, “and his rare change of direction. He has the quickness of a smaller back and the size of a big back.”

When asked about Barkley’s performance with the Eagles compared to his time with the New York Giants, Whitt remarked, “He’s always looked good to me.” Despite switching teams, Barkley remains a key focus for the Commanders as they prepare for the upcoming game against Philadelphia.

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NFL (American Football)

In Washington, the Commanders are determined to make a Super Bowl run and create history as long-shot contenders

Washington Commanders players after a pass

The Washington Commanders are just one win away from making history as one of the biggest preseason underdogs to reach the Super Bowl. They will face the Philadelphia Eagles on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game. The Eagles are the favorites, listed as 6-point favorites at ESPN BET on Friday. In contrast, the Commanders were considered much bigger underdogs earlier in the season.

The Long Shot Journey to the NFC Championship

At the start of the season, the Commanders were given 150-1 odds to win the Super Bowl. Their odds worsened to as long as 250-1 by Week 3. If the Commanders win on Sunday, they will match the 1999 St. Louis Rams for the longest preseason odds for a Super Bowl participant since the NFL switched to a 16-game schedule in 1978, according to SportsOddsHistory.com.

Few Believed in the Commanders at the Start

Hardly any bettors took a chance on the Commanders in the preseason. A Virginia bettor placed a $500 Super Bowl bet at 150-1 odds on August 17, which is among the largest reported preseason bets on Washington.

Jayden Daniels speaks to the media after the game

During the offseason, 27 teams, including the Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and New England Patriots, received more Super Bowl bets than the Commanders at BetMGM sportsbooks. In fact, there was about 10 times more money wagered on the New York Jets to win the Super Bowl than on the Commanders before the season began.

Commanders Now Popular Bet to Beat Eagles

Fast forward four months, and the Commanders are now the most popular bet at BetMGM. More bets have been placed on Washington to beat the Eagles outright than any other outcome in this weekend’s championship games. The Commanders are +240 underdogs to win the game.

In the AFC Championship Game, the Kansas City Chiefs are 1.5-point favorites over the Buffalo Bills at ESPN BET. The second-most popular NFL bet at BetMGM this weekend is for the Bills to beat the Chiefs outright, as of Friday.

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NFL (American Football)

Eagles and Commanders face off for the third time this season, with a Super Bowl berth on the line in Sunday’s game in Philadelphia

Saquon Barkley sits in the snow in the 2nd half

The Philadelphia Eagles have been dominant since October, securing 16 wins in three seasons, with several signs of a Super Bowl-worthy team. They are on a 10-game winning streak, have the top defense in the league, and had six players selected for the Pro Bowl.

Running back Saquon Barkley has also set team records, coming close to breaking the NFL’s single-season rushing record. The Eagles are 14-1 since October, including two straight postseason wins at home.

However, there’s one team that gave them trouble. That team is the Washington Commanders, who pulled off a remarkable win against the Eagles in December.

This win sparked belief within the Commanders’ camp, including coach Dan Quinn and rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, that they might be ready for a Super Bowl run. The Lions were the latest team to feel the power of the Commanders’ defense, which forced five turnovers and led to a dominant 45-31 victory in Detroit.

Eagles Ready for the Rematch

The Eagles, who still remember their December loss to the Commanders, are prepared to face them again. They’ll meet for the third time this season in the NFC Championship Game on Sunday at Lincoln Financial Field. The Eagles are the favorites, with a 6-point lead according to BetMGM Sportsbook, but they will be dealing with quarterback Jalen Hurts’ left knee injury.

Hurts did not miss any plays after getting hurt during the divisional game against the Los Angeles Rams, and he insists he will play in the NFC Championship Game. This will be a crucial boost for the Eagles after Hurts missed two regular season games with a concussion.

The Eagles won the first matchup against the Commanders 26-18, with Barkley rushing for 146 yards and two touchdowns. In the rematch, the Commanders won 36-33, with Daniels throwing five touchdown passes.

Jayden Daniels throws in the 1st half

Commanders’ Confidence and Daniels’ Leadership

The Commanders had few believers outside their locker room as they entered the postseason, but Daniels has led the team to six straight victories, including a big win over the Lions. The Commanders are feeling confident and are looking to prove they can handle the pressure of a championship game.

“It’s the final four,” Daniels said. “There’s going to be a lot more eyes on these teams, so you could get out of whack, you could listen to the media, stuff like that. But if you keep your same routine, stay consistent, it will work out.”

Barkley’s Challenge for the Commanders’ Defense

Barkley is coming off a massive game where he rushed for 205 yards and two touchdowns against the Rams. His performance against the Commanders this season has been a mix of highs and lows. In their first matchup, he rushed for 146 yards and two touchdowns, but in their second game, Barkley’s numbers dropped after Hurts left the game with a concussion.

Despite the Commanders’ success against him in the second half of their second meeting, Barkley remains focused on the upcoming game.

Barkley commented, “I think they sold out on the run… We still put up 30-something points and had the opportunity to win the football game.”

Daniels Makes History as a Rookie QB

Jayden Daniels has already made history by becoming the first rookie quarterback to lead his team to a conference championship game. If he leads the Commanders to the Super Bowl, he will be the first rookie QB to ever reach the big game. Daniels set a rookie record for rushing yards (891) and has thrown for 567 yards through two rounds of the playoffs.

“He’s the ultimate pro as a rookie,” said receiver Terry McLaurin. “Whether it’s a good play or a bad play, he’s always worried about the next play and how we can execute it at the highest level.”

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NFL (American Football)

In Washington, cornerback Mike Sainristil is another key rookie driving the Commanders’ deep playoff push

Bobby Wagner and Mike Sainristil in the 2nd half

Jayden Daniels is certainly the rookie everyone is talking about in Washington’s playoff run, but cornerback Mike Sainristil is another standout from the 2024 draft class playing a crucial role.

Sainristil, drafted in the second round, has made a significant impact, most recently with two interceptions in the divisional round win against Detroit. His next challenge comes in the NFC championship game at Philadelphia, where he will face Eagles wide receivers A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith.

“It’s good to be a part of, for sure,” said Sainristil, reflecting on his journey. “What we did in college, it was great. I’m glad I was able to leave on that note. Currently being in this position, I’m definitely not going to take it for granted because of what others on the team have shared about being on the other side. I don’t ever want to experience that.”

From Receiver to Cornerback

When the Commanders selected Sainristil with the 50th pick in the draft, general manager Adam Peters was looking for a player with the ability to be a top nickel cornerback in the NFL. Sainristil had only been playing defense for two years after being switched from receiver by Michigan’s coach Jim Harbaugh. His transition has paid off, as he had an impressive senior year with six interceptions, including a game-sealing pick in the College Football Playoff final.

Though originally drafted as a nickel cornerback, Sainristil has been moved to the outside to become a lead cornerback, even after the Commanders traded for Marshon Lattimore. The adjustment has been successful.

“It doesn’t matter to me: I’ll go wherever they need me to go,” Sainristil said. “Every single week, the game becomes slower and slower. Just being able to take the coaching that I’m getting, learn techniques, and understand my assignment helps me focus on what I’m supposed to do.”

Big Plays and Contributions

Sainristil was instrumental in the Commanders’ wild-card round win over Tampa Bay, where he was tasked with covering Mike Evans in the second half. Evans had five catches for 84 yards and a touchdown through three quarters, but Sainristil limited him to just one catch for 8 yards in the final quarter, helping the Commanders secure a 23-20 victory.

In the divisional round against Detroit, Sainristil intercepted both Lions quarterback Jared Goff and receiver Jameson Williams. His performance helped Washington reach the NFC Championship game for the first time in 33 years. At 5-foot-10 and 182 pounds, Sainristil is proving that size isn’t everything.

Recognition from Teammates

“He’s a star, man,” said veteran safety Jeremy Chinn. “He plays bigger than he is. He’s aggressive. He has great vision, great eyes, and he trusts his instincts. He trusts what he sees, and he makes plays.”

Mike Sainristil intercepts a pass intended for Jameson Williams in the 1st half

Sainristil’s continued improvement comes from a balance between making game-changing plays and focusing on solid fundamentals. At 24, he knows when to take risks and when to play it safe.

“Over the course of a game, there’s probably three to five plays that are for sure going to look like what you saw on film,” he said. “When those plays come about, don’t be scared to go make it.”

Trust from the Coaching Staff

The Commanders’ coaching staff, including defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., trust Sainristil’s football IQ and instincts, which were shaped by his experience playing on offense. His ability to understand the game has helped him excel as a full-time cornerback.

“Instincts are a really big part of it,” said coach Dan Quinn. “It’s the football smarts that go into it, as well. He doesn’t usually get fooled on something twice.”

Off-Field Connections and Team Spirit

Off the field, Sainristil has developed strong bonds with his teammates, especially with Daniels. The two became close during rookie camp, and their connection has only grown since then.

“We were around each other so much,” Daniels said. “Now it’s just like it’s a brother to me. We talk about everything: football, life and everything, ‘How’s the family doing?’ and stuff like that. It’s just bigger than ball.”

Sainristil’s Under-the-Radar Success

Despite ranking among the league’s rookies with 14 pass breakups and 90 tackles, Sainristil has flown under the radar, with Daniels often getting the spotlight. However, Sainristil is proud of his contributions and is happy to be part of this team.

“He deserves everything that he’s getting right now,” Sainristil said of Daniels. “I’m glad that I’m on the same team as him, I can tell you that much. It feels good to be going through this with him. Even all the other rookies in our class, everyone that they brought in, we have a tight bond. We all support each other, we all root for each other and I think that’s the type of things they were looking for when they did draft us.”

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NFL (American Football)

Jayden Daniels’ Historic Rookie Season Leads Commanders to Super Bowl Contention

Jayden Daniels answers the questions

Jayden Daniels has led the Washington Commanders to the NFC Championship game, and his impressive rookie season is earning praise from across the league.

Rising Praise from Across the League

Philadelphia Eagles defensive coordinator Vic Fangio recently described Daniels as “a young quarterback by birth certificate, not by the tape.” Houston Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud also commended Daniels, saying he’s having “the best rookie year of all time.”

If Daniels and the Commanders beat the Eagles on Sunday, he would make history as the first rookie quarterback to take his team to the Super Bowl. Despite the growing attention, Daniels has remained focused and humble, keeping his eye on the game rather than the spotlight.

A Steady, Focused Leader

Daniels has shown a remarkable ability to stay calm under pressure. “He stays as even-keeled as any player I’ve ever been around,” said Commanders’ top receiver Terry McLaurin. “He treats every game the same, no matter the stage.”

As the first player in Commanders history to throw 25 touchdowns with fewer than 10 interceptions, Daniels has also set the rookie record for most rushing yards by a QB with 891.

His performance has been critical to Washington’s success this season, and he continues to make a case for Stroud’s praise.

Focused on Day-to-Day Improvement

Despite his outstanding season, Daniels is not looking too far ahead. “It would obviously be a blessing, but I’m just focused on how can I be better day by day,” he said. He understands the rarity of the opportunity but keeps his attention on the moment.

Jayden Daniels in the 2nd half

Coach Quinn and Team Support

Head coach Dan Quinn praises Daniels’ composure on the field, comparing his demeanor to “The Terminator” because of his focus and ability to block out distractions. Daniels has led Washington to six straight wins, five of which were decided on the final play. He’s thrown 17 touchdowns during this stretch and has been the key factor in the team’s success.

Quinn appreciates Daniels’ poise in tight situations. “He’s got the experience of somebody that’s played a lot more football than a first-year player,” Quinn said.

Gaining Respect from Teammates

Teammates stopped treating Daniels like a rookie early in the season. Veteran tight end Zach Ertz noticed Daniels’ maturity after his Hail Mary pass to Noah Brown in Week 8, and soon after, Ertz said everyone in the organization began seeing him as a leader.

“He was very proactive in his approach to being great,” Ertz said. “He was the first one in the building studying as much as possible.” Daniels’ strong work ethic has helped him stand out.

Preparation Leads to Success

Quinn admires Daniels’ preparation, understanding that the extra work puts the rookie in a position to succeed. “When the moment comes, you’re ready to deliver,” Quinn said, emphasizing the importance of Daniels’ preparation.

Historic Season for the Commanders

Daniels’ leadership has been the driving force behind Washington’s improvement, taking the team from a 4-13 record last season to 12-5 this year.

With his performance, Daniels has also been part of an offense that has committed no turnovers in 10 games this season, the most for the franchise in decades.

Daniels credits his success to his love of football and the joy he finds in the game.

“It’s a blessing to be one of those kids that are able to fulfill their dream and live out their dream of playing on Sundays in the NFL,” Daniels said. His relaxed attitude toward pressure continues to make him a standout in his rookie season.

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Childhood Rivalries and NFC East Heartache: Why Eagles vs. Commanders Feels Personal

Eagles vs. Commanders
Eagles vs. Commanders (NFC)

The Philadelphia Eagles versus Washington Commanders in the NFC Championship is a matchup I never anticipated. Despite its significance, the game offers little excitement for me. The only way it could have been worse is if it were held in Dallas, which adds to the difficulty of facing teams from my division.

Rivalries Rooted in Childhood: The NFC East Struggles

Growing up near FedEx Field in Landover, Maryland, shaped my view of NFL fandom. As a New York Giants fan, I found myself rooting as much against NFC East rivals, like Washington and Dallas, as I did for my team. These rivalries were deeply personal and defined my early football experiences.

Eagles vs. Commanders
Eagles vs. Commanders (NFC)

For me, the legacy of the Giants’ past Super Bowl victories was distant. The 1987 and 1991 championships happened before my time, leaving me to admire legends from afar. By the time I became a fan, the Giants’ glory years felt distant, and I was left clinging to whatever moments of success I could find.

The 2001 Super Bowl and Growing Hatred for Rivals

The 2001 Super Bowl cemented my hatred for rival teams. While the Giants’ loss to the Baltimore Ravens was painful, it fueled my disdain for the division’s other teams. Their continued success was something I couldn’t bear, and the Philadelphia Eagles soon emerged as my prime target, further fueling my frustration.

Despite the Giants’ struggles and brief moments of glory, my hatred for NFC East teams never wavered. The Eagles’ dominance under Andy Reid only added to my animosity, while Eli Manning’s 2008 and 2012 Super Bowl victories kept my passion alive. The rivalry between the Eagles and Commanders remains intense, and this NFC Championship clash feels like my personal hell.

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NFL (American Football)

Lions Strategize to Neutralize Jayden Daniels’ Impact

Commanders’ offensive line struggles could be a decisive factor against the Lions (Washington Commanders)

The Washington Commanders this season bear some resemblance to last year’s Detroit Lions. Both teams began with moderate expectations, aiming only for improvements over their previous campaigns.

When they made the playoffs, their supporters hoped for a single victory to label the season as a success.

The Lions managed two playoff wins and were just a half away from their first Super Bowl appearance. Now, Detroit finds itself in a position to prevent Washington from achieving a similar postseason surge.

Detroit Lions prepare to stop the Commanders’ postseason momentum (Detroit Lions)

The exceptional play of Jayden Daniels, their first-round selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, has driven Washington’s rise under its new leadership.

Daniels, widely regarded as the front-runner for the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year award, has orchestrated four game-winning drives and led the Commanders to an impressive 12-5 record.

The Importance of Containing Daniels

For Detroit to avoid being upset, the Lions must disrupt Daniels’ rhythm, which has been instrumental in his team’s success.

His ability to perform under pressure and make plays has turned him into a formidable challenge for defenses. Limiting his impact is essential for Detroit to secure a spot in the NFC Championship game.

Addressing Offensive Line Challenges

Daniels needs ample time in the pocket to perform at his best, but Washington’s offensive line has struggled. They rank seventh in sacks allowed (50) this season and have the 11th-lowest pass-blocking grade (63.4), as reported by PFF.

Right guard Sam Cosmi, despite being the highest-rated lineman on the team, has committed the most penalties (six) among starters.

On the other hand, rookie left tackle Brandon Coleman has struggled the most, with a PFF grade of 58.7, conceding nine sacks and 35 pressures this season.

The Lions’ defensive line must capitalize on these vulnerabilities, especially targeting Coleman and left guard Nick Allegretti, who are the weakest links.

While blitzing is an option, aligning Za’Darius Smith against Coleman could prove more effective. To add to Coleman’s woes, he was recently added to the injury report with a shoulder issue, though he practiced fully on Wednesday.

Strategizing Against the Blitz

Detroit’s defensive coordinator, Aaron Glenn, has relied heavily on blitzes, with the Lions blitzing on 34.6% of plays this season—the second-highest rate in the league behind the Minnesota Vikings.

This aggressive approach has been a cornerstone of their success, but it may require adjustments against Daniels. According to PFF, Daniels holds the ball for an average of 2.98 seconds—one of the longest among playoff quarterbacks.

Detroit Lions defense focuses on containing Washington’s dynamic rookie quarterback (Detroit Lions)

Surprisingly, he has excelled when blitzed, throwing 12 touchdowns and just three interceptions in such situations, compared to 15 touchdowns and six interceptions when not blitzed. Therefore, an all-out blitz might backfire.

Instead, the Lions must focus on containment rather than relentless pressure. Keeping Daniels inside the pocket will be key, as his mobility poses a serious threat.

Glenn emphasized the need for discipline, stating, “You have to be strategic in your rush, send additional players, and close off as many lanes as possible.”

Managing a Mobile Quarterback

Dealing with a quarterback like Daniels, who can create plays with his legs, presents numerous challenges. From designed runs and read-options to scrambles and extended plays, there’s a lot to defend.

Lions head coach Dan Campbell pointed out that no team has mastered the art of shutting down mobile quarterbacks.

Detroit’s defense has allowed 6.2 yards per carry against quarterbacks this season, ranking as the second-worst in the league. However, their performances against mobile quarterbacks have not been entirely poor.

Aside from a difficult outing against MVP candidate Josh Allen, the defense has held up relatively well. Early success by Anthony Richardson in a game against the Colts faded as Indianapolis moved away from utilizing his legs.

Daniels will inevitably gain yards on the ground, but the Lions’ focus should be on limiting the damage. If he is allowed to continually pick up easy yards, Detroit’s defense will face a tough night.

Sacks or the ability to close escape lanes will force Daniels to rely solely on his arm, giving the Lions an advantage.

Detroit’s offense can also play a role in neutralizing Daniels. If the Lions establish a lead, Washington will have to abandon its running game and prioritize quick scoring to keep pace.

This change would limit Daniels’ opportunities to use his legs, forcing the Commanders into a one-dimensional offense. Under such circumstances, Detroit can unleash its blitzes and apply pressure on Daniels in the pocket.

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NFL (American Football)

The New York Jets interviewed Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. for their head coach position

Washington Commanders new defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr., speaks during an NFL football news conference at Commanders Park

The New York Jets interviewed Washington Commanders defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. on Sunday for their open head coach position.

Whitt is in his first season as the Commanders’ defensive leader, and his defense helped the team secure five turnovers in their surprising 45-31 victory over the Detroit Lions on Saturday night, which earned Washington a spot in the NFC championship for the first time in 33 years.

Whitt is the 16th candidate to interview for the Jets’ head coaching role, with 15 others also interviewed for their general manager position.

At 46 years old, Whitt joins a long list of candidates for the job, including Brian Flores, Aaron Glenn, Jeff Hafley, Vance Joseph, Mike Locksley, Josh McCown, Matt Nagy, Ron Rivera, Darren Rizzi, Rex Ryan, Bobby Slowik, Arthur Smith, Steve Spagnuolo, Jeff Ulbrich, and Mike Vrabel.

Washington Commanders players celebrate a touchdown in the 1st half

Vrabel has already been hired by New England as head coach, and Ulbrich, who served as the Jets’ interim head coach for 12 games after Robert Saleh was fired, has been hired by Atlanta as its defensive coordinator.

Whitt has a history of working with Commanders coach Dan Quinn. In 2020, Whitt worked with Quinn in Atlanta as the Falcons’ pass game coordinator and secondary coach. Later, Whitt joined Quinn again in Dallas, where Quinn was the defensive coordinator. When Quinn took the head coach position in Washington, he hired Whitt as the defensive coordinator.

Before moving into coaching in the NFL, Whitt, a former wide receiver at Auburn, began his coaching career at the college level, with stops at Auburn, The Citadel, and Louisville. He got his first NFL coaching job in 2007 as the assistant defensive backs coach for Atlanta under Bobby Petrino. After that, he worked with Green Bay and Cleveland before returning to Atlanta.

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NFL (American Football)

Washington Commanders right guard Sam Cosmi has suffered a torn ACL and will miss the playoffs

Washington Commanders guard Sam Cosmi is helped by medical staff after being injured against the Detroit Lions during the first half of an NFL football divisional playoff game

Washington Commanders right guard Sam Cosmi has torn his ACL and will not be able to play for the rest of the NFL playoffs.

Coach Dan Quinn shared the “unfortunate news” on Sunday after Cosmi suffered the injury to his right knee during the Commanders’ 45-31 win against Detroit, which secured their spot in the NFC championship game. After leaving the game, Cosmi was seen on the sidelines wearing a large brace on his leg.

“That’s a big deal, the ballplayer and the man,” Quinn said, acknowledging the loss of Cosmi.

Trent Scott stepped in to replace Cosmi at right guard for the remainder of the game against the Lions. It is still unclear what the team’s plan will be moving forward.

Cosmi is one of the longest-tenured players with the Commanders and has been a key figure on the offensive line, especially during the first season of a new coaching regime.

Washington Commanders players celebrate after the win

Under general manager Adam Peters, the team made significant changes, including overhauling more than half of the roster. Before the season started, Cosmi signed a four-year, $74 million contract with $45 million guaranteed.

The offensive line, which protects rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, has shown significant improvement after the team’s difficult 4-13 season in 2023, which marked the end of Ron Rivera’s tenure as head coach.

Cosmi, a second-round pick from Texas in 2021, was originally selected as a tackle but has been thriving since moving to guard.

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NFL (American Football)

Lions CB Amik Robertson injured and QB Jared Goff exits during playoff loss to the Commanders in Detroit

Craig Reynolds and Jared Goff in the 1st half

Detroit Lions cornerback Amik Robertson suffered an elbow injury on the second snap of the Washington Commanders’ offense and had to walk off the field in tears during Saturday night’s divisional playoff game.

Robertson was ruled out for the rest of the game after getting hurt while tackling receiver Terry McLaurin.

Lions quarterback Jared Goff was evaluated for a concussion after taking a hard hit while trying to stop a pick-6 and missed one possession. Backup Teddy Bridgewater stepped in and helped lead a touchdown drive.

Commanders guard Sam Cosmi hurt his knee when running back Brian Robinson scored a go-ahead touchdown early in the second quarter. Cosmi’s right leg bent awkwardly, and he limped off the field. He was later ruled out for the rest of the game.

Robertson’s injury added to the challenges for a depleted Lions defense, which was already struggling to contain rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Amik Robinson leaves the field after an injury

Robertson had been playing well in Detroit’s previous game, where he helped limit Minnesota Vikings All-Pro receiver Justin Jefferson.

Washington receiver Olamide Zaccheaus left in the second quarter with a groin injury.

In the third quarter, Lions safety Ifeatu Melifonwu suffered a hamstring injury.