Complacency cannot become an issue for the Washington Commanders during their Week 9 road game against the New York Giants. Dan Quinn's men are coming off a sensational triumph over the Chicago Bears thanks to a miracle Hail Mary as time expired. Adrenaline surged and expectations increased as a result, so retaining a sense of professionalism is key.
The Commanders needed a walk-off field goal from Austin Seibert to beat the Giants in Week 2. They're a better team now, so fans will be expecting another victory versus a team that's going through some significant complications right now.
Brian Daboll looked like a broken man when lavishing praise on quarterback Jayden Daniels this week. He wanted the signal-caller but the Commanders didn't budge. The head coach has Daniel Jones instead, who is not living up to the massive contract extension and is in danger of being benched if the same trend continues.
Another fascinating afternoon awaits. With this in mind, here are five bold Commanders predictions in Week 9 at MetLife Stadium.
Bold predictions for the Commanders in Week 9 at NY Giants
Commanders defense gains three turnovers
The Commanders' defense has been coming along encouragingly in recent weeks. It was a rocky start and there are still potential problems that could hold them back, but Joe Whitt Jr. has this group in the middle of the NFL's pack statistically.
That's better than most anticipated after so many changes throughout the offseason. Whitt wants his team to create more turnovers in pursuit of taking that next step. They've got a good chance to do just that versus the New York Giants in Week 9.
Struggling quarterback Daniel Jones is mobile and typically saves his best football for the Commanders. However, he's playing behind a woeful offensive line and is prone to mistakes and confidence diminishes further.
Washington needs to put Jones under pressure and maximize turnover opportunities when they arrive. If they can come away with multiple takeaways, that'll be an exceptional foundation from which to build.
Brandon Coleman doesn't allow a pressure
Brandon Coleman seems on track to take his place in the lineup after missing the previous game. This comes with tremendous timing attached after veteran offensive tackle Cornelius Lucas went out against the Chicago Bears.
Coleman hasn't quite made it out of the NFL's concussion protocol as yet, but the signs are incredibly positive. The rookie third-round selection has split time on the blindside with Lucas throughout the campaign. It seems like he'll be getting a much bigger responsibility in Week 9 at the New York Giants.
The Washington Commanders saw something in Coleman that others didn't en route to picking him at No. 67 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. He's been nothing short of outstanding in Year 1 of his professional career, but the edge protector faces a stern test of his credentials this weekend versus a Giants pass rush consisting of Brian Burns and Azeez Ojulari.
Washington needs a big performance from Coleman. If he can hold up and provide a stable blindside for quarterback Jayden Daniels to thrive, this will go a long way to achieving success at MetLife Stadium.
Zach Ertz goes over 100 receiving yards
Zach Ertz quickly became one of many feel-good stories within the Commanders this season. Many around the media questioned how much the veteran tight end had left in the tank after joining the organization in free agency. He's silenced these doubters in no uncertain terms so far.
The former second-round selection out of Stanford is an important part of the team's offensive strategy. Ertz is a dependable presence on short-to-intermediate routes. He's lost some explosiveness, but the savvy route-running and assured hands remain.
Ertz is a trusted target of Jayden Daniels, which is likely to remain the case over the second half of 2024. Opportunities should be plentiful for the three-time Pro Bowler versus the New York Giants despite their pass defense giving up just 189.4 yards per game through the air.
Washington needs to keep the chains moving and control the clock. Ertz will play a big part in that, so expect another big game from the accomplished performer if his outstanding run of form continues.
Noah Brown catches another deep touchdown
Noah Brown was the hero in Week 8 after gratefully accepting a gift from the football gods. His Hail Mary catch versus the Chicago Bears was fortuitous, but the Washington Commanders will take it after dominating the game for long periods.
Everyone within the building is keen to ensure this is the start of something special rather than a crowning glory. The Commanders have a much-improved mentality and culture across the board to keep complications to a minimum. It was an exceptional moment. It counts for nothing if Washington doesn't keep its feet on the ground.
Brown's brought in 68 percent of his targets for 258 receiving yards and one score this season. He's established himself as the No. 2 wide receiver option behind Terry McLaurin, but the Commanders might need more if they want to firmly establish themselves as a postseason force.
Until then, Brown remains an important part of the team's offensive strategy. If the former seventh-round selection can secure another deep touchdown grab against the New York Giants, it'll be another big step in the right direction.
Commanders win by 14+ points
The Commanders haven't enjoyed the best fortunes at MetLife Stadium in recent years. Thankfully for fans, this is a different operation on the football side.
Washington cannot - and won't - take the New York Giants lightly. Looking at the way they've disposed of the league's bottom feeders with minimal fuss this season, it's a game the Commanders can win comfortably if nobody gets too ahead of themselves.
Had the Commanders turned their red-zone opportunities into touchdowns during the first meeting between the two clubs in Week 2, it would have been a blowout. The margins might be finer on the road, so nothing but ruthless conviction and making chances count is crucial.
This is an opportunity the Commanders cannot waste with some difficult games upcoming over the next month. If the players and staff stay on an even keel, remain focused on their upcoming task, and execute the game plan effectively, it would be a big surprise if they weren't sitting at 7-2 heading into their Week 10 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
