They say you have a shot in every NFL game if you can figure out the quarterback position. Lately, we've been thinking about the Washington Commanders when that argument is made. We thought the Philadelphia Eagles still had a year or so before they'd have to begin taking them seriously.
We apologize. We were wrong.
We told you, in no uncertain terms, to relax. Oh yeah, we knew the hype was real. We just thought time was on our side.
It seemed reasonable to believe Jayden Daniels would, at some point, take some lumps and experience some rookie growing pains.
We misread things. The NFC East and the rest of the NFL might have a slight problem.
Pay attention to several of Jayden Daniels' teammates when the Eagles host the Commanders in Week 11.
Ladies and gentlemen, it took them a while, but the Commanders have finally found their franchise quarterback. They have normally been stout on defense. They've always been a tough out, but the new regime and coaching staff have put together a team we must now take seriously.
They're good at the skill positions. They have some studs on their defense. They're potentially a star-studded offense (and, you don't have to bring up Jayden Daniels to prove that).
Terry McLaurin, wide receiver
If he played anywhere else, we'd be happy for him. Terry McLaurin has been loyal to a franchise that hasn't always taken winning seriously.
Had he left, we would have understood. Instead, he stuck it out in hopes that he'd see things improve. Again, that's honorable. We just wish he'd be winning somewhere other than in Washington.
McLaurin has always given the Birds fits. Washington hasn't beaten Philly often as of late. They're 3-7 with Terry in the lineup, but don't blame him. He's caught 58 passes during those games resulting in 847 yards and four TDs.
He'll need to be watched at all times in this one. He's a 2022 Pro Bowler who'd have been given more nods if he had better QBs throwing him the football.
Brian Robinson Jr. (if he plays on Thursday)
Brian Robinson is second only to Jayden Daniels in terms of rushing yards. Washington's tailback only trails his QB by a 464-461 margin, but Robinson has also missed three of the last five games. We'll see if he's good to go on Thursday.
There's nothing to complain about in terms of talent. If he's on the field he's an issue. He's already tallied 461rushing yards, 79 receiving yards, and six TDs through seven games this season.
Austin Ekeler, running back
Austin Ekeler is one of those dual threat tailbacks who keeps opposing defensive coordinators up at nights. He's carried the ball 63 times for 326 yards ( a 5.2 yards per carry average). He's caught 23 of 27 targets for 255 yards. He's reached the end zone four times. Keep your eyes peeled when he has the ball.
Tyler Biadasz, center
When Dan Quinn left Dallas for Washington, he took some Cowboys with him. One of which is Tyler Biadasz. He's a 2022 Pro Bowler and has been good in our nation's capital, earning a pass grade of 70.1 from PFF.
He's only committed two penalties. He's only given up one sack. His job is to help limit Jalen Carter and the interior of the Eagles' defensive line in this one.
Noah Brown, wide receiver
Statistically, Noah Brown hasn't overwhelmed, hauling in 25 passes and racking up 351 receiving yards this season. He's reached the end zone once, but he has also only been targeted 38 times in eight games.
He missed the first and fifth weeks of the season but has come up big in spots. Philly needs to place an asterisk by his name as he could be one of the sneaky guys.
Zach Ertz, tight end
Here's someone we know well. Zach Ertz is an Eagles franchise legend who will one day be welcomed back with open arms, but for the time being, he plays for one of Philly's divisional enemies.
He's been a steady target for Daniels, starting all ten of Washington's outings. His efforts have resulted in 37 receptions, 381 yards, and a TD reception.
Ertz probably won't turn this game on its ear. He isn't that guy anymore, but he's good for a catch or two on third down and in the red zone.
At six-foot-five, he's taller than Philly's tallest safeties, Reed Blankenship (6'1) and Tristin McCollum (6'3). He outweights the Eagles' starting MIKE linebacker by 19 pounds. He could be someone to watch as the game wears on.