The Washington Commanders ended their three-game losing streak when they defeated the Tennessee Titans 42-19 on Sunday. Losing wasn't an option heading into the Week 14 bye, and they made sure to get a win by capitalizing on early turnovers and putting points on the board.
This week, Commanders can rest, take it easy, and heal any nagging injuries that remain in the game. A farewell at the end of the season is sometimes a blessing and sometimes a curse, and this year it seems to have come at a good time for the Commanders. Jayden Daniles can heal from his rib injury, Brian Robinson Jr. can rest his ankle, Austin Ekeler has an extra week to recover from a concussion, and when they return to the field in Week 16, they should look rejuvenated.
As Week 14 begins, here's a look at where commanders rank in a variety of power rankings.
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The last time Washington had no fewer than three 40-point games in a season — 1991 — the Lombardi Trophy arrived in the nation's capital.
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Jayden Daniels and the Commanders rebounded very quickly against Tennessee. The game was 28-0 before the Titans decided to play some football.
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Commanders were preoccupied with free agency, but Washington's staff was particularly enthusiastic about Luvu. Turns out there was a good reason. Luvu, who totaled 12.5 sacks in his final two seasons with Carolina, ranks second on the Commanders with eight sacks and nine tackles for a loss. The seventh-year linebacker provides energy and, as coach Dan Quinn said Sunday, fits the identity of who the Commanders want to become defensively
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Ben Rolfe, Pro Football Network:
The Washington Commanders managed to end their three-game losing streak, which was stopped in impressive fashion against the Tennessee Titans. The offense seemed to be back on track after a few disappointing games and faced a defense that has been reasonably good this year.
However, it is still legitimate to question the credibility of the commanders. Their only win against a team with a winning record was against the Cardinals in Week 4. Otherwise, they are 0-4 when facing teams that are .500 or better this season. The bye week comes at the perfect time for this team to regroup, as Washington will likely need at least two more wins to secure a Wild Card spot
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Vinnie Iyer, The Sporting News:
The Commanders found their momentum back in a comfortable home game against the Titans. Jayden Daniels needed that recovery game, greatly aided by the traditional running game – a stable formula for Washington to finish with a wild-card berth.
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The Titans aren't good, but it was still positive to see the Commanders playing like they did earlier this season. Jayden Daniels, who was struggling, moved better Sunday, rushing for 34 yards and a touchdown. Daniels and the commanders appear to be back on track.
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After three straight losses in which Dan Quinn's defense looked like it had lost its bearings, Washington potentially played itself out of playoff contention. Instead, in Week 13, we saw Washington's offense immediately go back to pushing the easy buttons for rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, opening up easy routes in the running game and fending them off effectively by halftime. while the defense had no problem shutting down Will Levis and the Titans.
Aside from a rematch against a red-hot Philadelphia team, the rest of the schedule looks good for Washington to secure a wild card spot. The first is a game against the competent but struggling Saints, and I'm excited to see how the Commanders work quickly with them like they did with Tennessee on Sunday.
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The Commanders bowed out on a high note, ending their three-game losing streak with a stunning win that had to do them good. After their recent offensive problems, a performance like this – even against the Titans with three wins – was urgently needed. Tennessee's defense still ranks in the top 10 in several key defensive categories, making Washington's performance even more impressive. In the three-game losing streak, the Commanders recorded just seven total runs of 10 yards or more – the same number as Sunday alone. Good things happen when Jayden Daniels and Brian Robinson are running well and Terry McLaurin gets in early. Washington can now rest and prepare for the playoff stretch. The Commanders are well positioned for a wild card spot and can continue to push the Eagles for the NFC East title.
