The Washington Commanders aren't playing for much other than pride over their remaining six games. But head coach Dan Quinn's post-bye plan could expose a potential flaw that's been almost entirely overlooked to this point.
Now that all playoff hopes are all but out the window, the Commanders' mindset for the rest of the campaign shifts into player evaluation mode. Specifically, which of the young contributors on Washington's aging roster can cement themselves as core pieces of the future?
Everyone wants to see less of the veterans and more of the youth. But fans should also be careful what they wish for, because they might get an uncomfortable truth.
Is the Commanders' youth movement being held back, or are the players just not good enough?
A popular thought has emerged that Washington's young pieces, such as tight end Ben Sinnott, defensive lineman Johnny Newton, and linebacker Jordan Magee, are not being given a proper chance to shine. They are buried in backup roles behind vets the coaching staff trusts more, and would surely flourish if those players were out of the picture.
It's great to be able to defend underperformance when there's an excuse for it. But once that excuse is eliminated, and the situation still doesn't change, that's when the tough pills must be swallowed. For the Commanders, we're about to find out if it's sink or swim.
Magee's role has already been increasing. Newton saw significant snaps in Washington's Week 11 contest against the Miami Dolphins in the absence of Daron Payne. Sinnott did not play in Madrid, but caught a garbage-time touchdown the week before.
All three of them have taken baby steps forward, particularly Magee, but they've yet to graduate from the training wheels. The same goes for rookie right tackle Josh Conerly Jr., who is blossoming rapidly. Wide receiver Jaylin Lane and running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt have run into their challenges, and some progression would be a welcome sight.
There's more.
Treylon Burks has a chance to be a revelation. Mike Sainristil will look to turn his underwhelming sophomore campaign around now that he's back to playing outside corner. Can Quan Martin get back on track before it's too late? What about the wild-card new addition of defensive end Drake Jackson?
The Commanders have no shortage of fresh faces, and many of them are playing significant roles. Those who aren't yet prominently featured should be seeing more opportunities the rest of the way. If none of the names mentioned above are making strides by the end of the year, it shouldn't be a matter of situation or usage.
Productive players find ways to get involved. If the Commanders' youngsters aren't up to the task, then maybe they're just not it.