The Washington Commanders (3-5) look to get back on track Sunday against the New England Patriots (2-6).
A quick look at New England’s record and you’d think this would be a good opportunity for the Commanders. However, the Patriots upset the Bills two weeks ago, a team that defeated Washington by 34 points. New England struggles offensively; however, unsurprisingly, Bill Belichick’s team still plays excellent defense.
If the Commanders play like they did in both games against the Eagles on offense, they’ll win this game. Unfortunately for Washington, the offensive has been way too inconsistent this season, as evidenced by its performance two weeks ago in an ugly loss to the Giants.
So, what happens?
We make our picks for Week 9.
Bryan Manning
I am not sure where to go in this game. I believe the Commanders are still a better team than the Patriots, even without Chase Young and Montez Sweat. We’ve seen Washington play well defensively without the pair, and, let’s be honest, the defense was terrible at full strength. It can’t get much worse.
My concerns lie with the offense. We should be encouraged after last week. But then we think about the game against the Giants two weeks ago. Or, the second-half performance against the Falcons three weeks ago. Bill Belichick is going to make life difficult for Sam Howell. How will he respond? How will offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy respond?
This game could go either way, but I believe the Commanders will rally around one another and take down the Pats in a close, low-scoring game.
Commanders 19, Patriots 16
Ivan Lambert
The Patriots defense will be a challenge for a Commanders offense that has yet to put together consecutive good games in 2023.
The offensive line will need to communicate well, and Sam Howell will be forced to make quick decisions as the Patriots have blitzed opposing quarterbacks the second most times (123) in the NFL.
The Commanders offensive coordinator, Eric Bieniemy, has at times fallen into deserting a running game. The Patriots defense could help Bieniemy make that decision soon this week because the Patriots are exceptional in defending the run. They currently allow only 3.4 yards per rushing attempt, which is second in the entire NFL.
Sam Howell will be hurried. How will he handle the pressure? The Patriots have recorded the third-highest rate of quarterback hurries at 11.1%.
Until the Commanders can put together consecutive good offensive games, how can we believe in them?
Patriots 21, Commanders 16
Sammy Mansfield
The New England Patriots have been atrocious on offense this year, while the Commanders can’t seem to stop anyone from scoring as of late. So something has to give, right?
Ron Rivera finds himself in a tough spot, fresh off a trade deadline that saw two former first-round picks walk out the door. It appears to be the beginning of a complete rebuild in the nation’s capital, but Rivera is still trying to win games now and save his job. All eyes will be on Casey Toohill and James Smith-Williams as they fill in for Sweat and Young in their first game as the new starters.
The Patriots offense has been an absolute disaster this season as Mac Jones continues to prove he is not the man for the job. New England is averaging just under 15 points per game and enters Week 9 with a -6 turnover differential for the season. Oh, and they just lost their No. 1 wide receiver to a torn ACL.
Regardless of the defensive shake-up this week, Washington should be able to outscore New England.
Commanders 24, Patriots 17
