5. There’s still time to bounce back.
The Commanders have had an up-and-down start to the season. There are several reasons for this, some of which have not been under their control. There are several injuries on both sides of the ball, dramatically shrinking the margin for error as Washington’s backups have tried to pick up the slack.
As frustrated as the Commanders have been at times, there is plenty of time for them to reach the standard they set for themselves last offseason.
That’s not to say that things will get easier. Sunday’s game was the last 1 p.m. matchup they’ll have until Week 14, and there are games against the Chiefs, Lions, Cowboys and Seahawks between now and December. There’s also the international game against the Dolphins to look forward to, which can be a mentally and physically draining situation.
With that said, the hope is that the Commanders will get healthier in the coming weeks. Jayden Daniels could make his return soon, and Sam Cosmi’s window to be activated has officially opened. Newcomers like Preston Smith and Darnell Savage should be more ingratiated into the defense, allowing them to be more meaningful contributors.
It’s understandable for the Commanders to be frustrated with the past month, but that doesn’t mean they’re going to give up on the season.