As the NFL season hits Week 12, many teams are beginning to define themselves as playoff contenders, while others are fading away from the postseason picture. Among the most debated teams in the league right now are the Washington Commanders, whose performance over the past few weeks has raised questions about their legitimacy as a top-tier team.
After a strong start to the season, the Commanders have now suffered back-to-back losses, which have caused some to question whether they still deserve a spot in the Top 10 of the NFL power rankings. To answer that question, we need to assess the state of the team, considering their overall performance, the quality of their opponents, and where they stand in the broader playoff picture.
In Week 10, the Commanders were handed a tough loss by the Seattle Seahawks, falling 29-26 in a closely contested game. This loss was followed by another defeat in Week 11, where Washington dropped a 24-20 contest to the Dallas Cowboys. While both games were competitive, they highlighted several key issues that have hindered the Commanders’ ability to close out games.
The most obvious issue is the inconsistency at quarterback. Sam Howell, who has shown flashes of potential throughout the season, has struggled with turnovers in crucial moments. In the loss to Dallas, Howell threw an interception that set up a pivotal scoring drive for the Cowboys. His inability to protect the football in high-pressure situations is a problem for a team that is still in the hunt for a wildcard spot.
The Commanders’ defense, traditionally a strong point of the team, has also been inconsistent. Despite having talented players like defensive tackle Jonathan Allen and linebacker Jasmin Davis, Washington’s defense has been unable to consistently stop the opposing offense in key moments. In both losses, they allowed over 400 yards of total offense, with the Cowboys particularly exploiting gaps in the secondary.
Despite these recent setbacks, the Commanders still have a number of strengths that suggest they could remain a Top 10 team if they correct some of their flaws.
**1. Offensive Talent:** The Commanders’ offense is still capable of putting up points when firing on all cylinders. Sam Howell, while turnover-prone, has shown the ability to lead an offense down the field and connect with playmakers like Terry and Jahan Dotson. The team’s rushing attack, led by Brian Robinson Jr., has also been effective at times, though consistency in the run game has been a concern.
**2. Defensive Playmakers:** Washington’s defense remains one of the more talented groups in the league. While they’ve allowed big plays in recent weeks, players like Allen, Montezuma Sweat, and Kendall Fuller have the potential to disrupt opposing offenses. If the defensive line can generate more pressure and the secondary can tighten up, this group could be a game-changer down the stretch.
**3. Coaching and Culture:** Ron Rivera has built a resilient team in Washington, and despite the recent losses, the players continue to fight until the final whistle. Rivera’s ability to motivate his players and keep the team focused is a valuable trait, especially as they fight for a playoff spot in a competitive NFC.
Looking ahead, the Commanders’ schedule becomes critical. With the NFC East being one of the toughest divisions in football, Washington will have to face more divisional opponents in the coming weeks, which could either bolster or diminish their playoff hopes. They also face teams like the Miami Dolphins and San Francisco 49ers, both of whom are among the league’s elite squads.
If Washington is to stay in the Top 10 of NFL power rankings, they will need to prove that their early-season success was no fluke. T
As of Week 12, the Washington Commanders remain a team with a lot potential but significant questions to answer. While their back-to-back losses have exposed some weaknesses, they are far from out of contention. If they can clean up their quarterback play, shore up their defense, and maintain the balance in their offensive attack, they could remain a Top 10 team.
However, if their recent struggles continue, particularly with turnovers and defensive lapses, they might find themselves sliding down the rankings. As it stands, the Commanders are still very much in the playoff hunt, but they need to prove they can finish strong in a crowded NFC. With more tough games ahead, the coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether Washington deserves to stay in the league’s upper echelon.
