The stakes couldn't be much higher for the Washington Commanders this weekend. Their playoff aspirations are hanging by a thread as the Tennessee Titans come to town. They need a big performance to head into their long-awaited bye week on a high.
Dan Quinn is trying to take the pressure off his players. He knows they are ahead of schedule and wants them to relax. That's easier said than done looking at the prize in front of them, but it's something they must accomplish versus a Titans team playing for nothing more than pride.
Don't let Tennessee's lowly record fool you. They compete hard and have quality playmakers on both sides of the football. Brian Callahan's men will also be high on confidence after securing a surprising divisional victory over the Houston Texans last time out.
This is a time for big characters and composure. The Commanders were expected to easily win this contest just a few weeks ago. That's less certain now, but there's nothing to suggest they cannot get the job done if everyone executes their assignments effectively.
The pressure is on in no uncertain terms. With this in mind, here are five Commanders players firmly on the hot seat entering Week 13 at Northwest Stadium.
Commanders players on the hot seat entering Week 13 vs. Titans
Jeremy McNichols - Commanders RB
The Washington Commanders could be counting on running back Jeremy McNichols more than ever in this one. It's not ideal, but the NFL is a next-man-up league.
Austin Ekeler is in the NFL's concussion protocol after a vicious hit against the Dallas Cowboys. Brian Robinson Jr. is dealing with an ankle sprain, but the former third-round selection out of Alabama seemed confident he could contribute in some capacity versus the Tennessee Titans.
Even if Robinson suits up, he's unlikely to be 100 percent. McNichols is next in line if Ekeler cannot go as expected. He's been used sparingly so far, but expect the Commanders to involve him heavily against one of the league's most stingy run defenses.
McNichols is averaging 4.9 yards per carry from 44 touches this season. If the Boise State product can maintain this number with increased involvement this weekend, that should help the Commanders end their concerning three-game slump.
Dorance Armstrong Jr. - Commanders DE
It's time for Dorance Armstrong Jr. to prove why the Washington Commanders identified him as a high-priority target in free agency. There continue to be flashes from the defensive end, but the consistency to generate pressure is nowhere near the level anticipated upon joining the franchise.
Armstrong hasn't registered a sack since Week 5 and has 2.5 quarterback takedowns on the season. He's accumulated 18 pressures throughout the campaign to go with 25 tackles. One could forgive the coaching staff for expecting more from someone who was their No. 1 edge rushing option heading into the year.
This was Armstrong's big chance to prove he could be a legitimate starting-caliber performer rather than a key rotational piece. The jury is still out on that one, so a huge effort is needed over Washington's five remaining games.
The former fourth-round pick out of Kansas won't get a better chance to make a statement. The Tennessee Titans are giving up 3.7 sacks per game on average, ranked No. 30 league-wide. If Armstrong cannot wreak havoc versus porous protection in front of Will Levis, the Commanders have a big problem on their hands.
Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S
Jeremy Chinn's been a positive signing for the Commanders overall. Those in power thought his physical skills would be tailor-made for Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defensive system. It's not been perfect all the time, but the former second-round selection looks well on course to get an extension when the campaign concludes.
Before then, Chinn needs to step things up further.
His indifferent capabilities in coverage were exposed versus the Cowboys last time out. Chinn cannot allow the same to happen against second-year quarterback Will Levis, who remains inconsistent but is a big play waiting to happen at any point.
Keeping tabs on running back Tony Pollard will also be high on Chinn's list of priorities. So the task awaiting him is a steep one.
The Commanders potentially getting stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore back would change everything for the Southern Illinois product. It would allow Chinn to focus on what he does best - being instinctive and getting himself around the football prominently at the second level.
Chinn's got the talent to shake off last weekend's poor outing. But make no mistake, the Commanders are counting on him and others to set the tone on defense right out of the gate.
Sam Cosmi - Commanders OL
This season has been a largely new feeling for Sam Cosmi. He's more used to planning his offseason vacation at this time of year. Instead, the formidable right guard finds himself fighting to help the Washington Commanders make the postseason.
Cosmi's been forced to switch his mindset since head coach Dan Quinn came into the franchise. Having a winning culture came with an adjustment period. The former second-round selection responded positively. He also got a supreme vote of confidence from the new regime with a lucrative contract extension before the campaign.
The Commanders are counting on Cosmi more than ever in Week 13. The Texas product must respond accordingly after arguably his worst performance of the season against the Dallas Cowboys. Inspiring his teammates and providing assured protection versus an outstanding Tennessee Titans defensive front is crucial.
There's no doubting Cosmi's credentials. He's a prolific pass protector at the peak of his powers. Hopefully, last weekend's indifferent outing was nothing more than a blip when it's all said and done.
Jayden Daniels - Commanders QB
Jayden Daniels left himself too much to chase last weekend against the Cowboys. It was another disjointed performance overall from the quarterback, who didn't look comfortable until the fourth quarter and continued his hesitant stretch of performances at the worst possible time.
One could argue that Daniels hasn't been the same signal-caller since his rib injury versus the Carolina Panthers. There are no restrictions on his production potential now, so getting back to what worked previously is the only way Washington's campaign isn't going to spiral out of control.
Daniels faces another stern test of his credentials this weekend. The Titans have a stout defensive front and a prolific edge rusher in Harold Landry III. Their secondary also boasts some decent options despite missing cornerback L'Jarius Sneed. Nothing but improved poise and conviction will do.
Nobody is pressing the panic button just yet where Daniels is concerned. He was always going to hit the rookie wall and go through complications at some stage. How the No. 2 overall selection out of LSU responds in the face of significant adversity will go a long way to determining Washington's hopes.
