The Washington Commanders return from their much-needed bye week in desperate need to hit the ground running and cement their postseason hopes. This starts with a Week 15 trip to the New Orleans Saints.
Going to Baton Rouge isn't the easiest proposition. The Saints aren't the force of old, but their fans typically provide a hostile atmosphere despite the team languishing at 5-8 right now. This is a challenge Dan Quinn and his rejuvenated roster must navigate effectively following their extended rest period.
The Commanders got a boost to their chances after an unfortunate incident involving Saints quarterback Derek Carr. He left Sunday's game against the New York Giants late and went into the NFL's concussion protocol. If that wasn't enough, New Orleans' interim head coach Darren Rizzi revealed that the former Fresno State standout is dealing with a fracture in his non-throwing hand.
While the Saints didn't end Carr's season by placing him on injured reserve, Rizzi acknowledged this is a week-to-week situation. Couple this with being in the concussion protocol, and his chances of featuring against the Commanders are remote.
"I think it's going to be a week-to-week situation. We're going to kind of take this day-by-day this week, going to see how this week plays out, but that's really where we are right now. He is in the concussion protocol also, he's got to complete the first step of that (Tuesday). So it is a double aspect in terms of dealing with the injuries, so we've got to see what happens there. But this will be a day-to-day this week, and really I think the way it looks, it's going to end up being a week-to-week situation with him."
- Darren Rizzi
This is an opportunity the Commanders cannot squander at the business end of the campaign. The Saints will have either Jake Haener or rookie Spencer Rattler under center. That doesn't strike fear into anybody, but staying focused and avoiding complacency is key.
There is a cautionary tale here. The Commanders were overwhelming favorites at home to the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12. Their NFC East rivals were under-strength and without star quarterback Dak Prescott. Almost everyone expected Washington to blow away Mike McCarthy's men with minimal fuss.
What happened was anything but. The Commanders were sluggish and almost took victory for granted. They paid a heavy price en route to a disappointing reverse on home soil. That cannot happen at the Saints given the potential ramifications attached.
Washington remains in the seventh seed after the bye. Their margin for error diminished after the Los Angeles Rams secured a stunning upset over the Buffalo Bills. They are also one game back from the Green Bay Packers in the NFC's sixth spot, so there is all to play for.
The Commanders have no excuses if Carr cannot go. Remaining professional, executing assignments effectively, and taking nothing for granted should be enough. It's also worth remembering how ruthlessly Washington has disposed of the league's basement dwellers more often than not this season.
That should provide fans with confidence that the Commanders can get the job done.
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