Series Thread: Forecast Friday: Commanders/Patriots at a crossroad

[Stymietee]

The Washington Commanders come into this game with a record of 3-5 this year. The last time they stepped on the football field, the Commanders played the Eagles and went home with a loss by a final score of 38-31. Sam Howell finished 39/52 with 397 yards through the air and 4 TDs. He had a quarterback rate of 114 and ended the game with 1 interception. Brian Robinson Jr. was the best rusher for the Commanders with 10 attempts for 59 yards (5.9 yards per carry). Jahan Dotson had an average of 13.5 yards per reception by tallying 108 yards on 8 catches. The Washington Commanders rushed the ball a total of 16 times and compiled 84 yards, which earned them an average of 5.3 yards per attempt. In the game, they had 69 plays which gave them 472 yds. Washington surrendered 29 completions on 38 tries for 315 yards, and a completion percentage of 76.3%. Against the rush, the Commanders conceded 59 yards on 22 attempts, which is 2.7 yards per run allowed.



The Patriots head into this game 2-6 for this season. When they last stepped on the football field, the Patriots took a loss by a final score of 31-17 when they played the Dolphins. Mac Jones (2 TDs) finished the contest with 161 yards on 19/29 passing while his quarterback rate was 88.4. He tossed 1 interception and his average yards per pass attempt was 5.6 yds. Rhamondre Stevenson ran the football 10 times for 39 yards, finishing the game with 3.9 yards per carry for New England. Kendrick Bourne was featured in the passing game for the Patriots, snagging 3 throws for 36 yards (12.0 yards per reception). New England ran the football for 4.1 yards per carry, totaling 77 yds on 19 carries. The Patriots finished the game with a total of 218 yards while they ran 51 plays (4.3 yards per play). The Patriots pass defense gave up a completion rate of 66.7%, surrendering 312 yards on 30 out of 45 through the air. New England allowed 26 run attempts for 78 yards (3.0 yards per rush).





It’s hard to predict what we’ll see from each of these teams on any given week. However, it feels like the Patriots are playing better, and they’ll have the home-field advantage in this matchup. This could be a sloppy game, which would benefit New England at home. Truth is both of these teams are eyeing the future, that is, seasons 2024 and beyond with the loser of this one taking the better step towards that future.

Now, I’m not advocating that either one intentionally plays to lose, I can tell you that the decision to intentionally lose or “tank” games is a controversial topic in sports. Some people argue that it can be a strategic move for teams to secure a higher draft pick in the following season. Others believe it’s against the spirit of competition. Ultimately, the decision would be up to the team’s management and coaching staff. They would need to consider various factors such as the team’s current performance, player development, fan reactions, and long-term goals. It’s also important to note that the NFL has rules in place to discourage tanking.




Those are my thoughts... You all know the drill and here are the questions...

1. Who wins this game?

2. Final score?

3. Player(s) of the game?

4. Memorial moment, event, or play, that will have everyone talking on Sunday night and Monday mornings?

 

[skinsdad62]

Pats 16-10 in a horrible game , the skins , this version of them can’t seem beat teams they should . Bears , giants and now pats

I think we mail it in honestly

 

[j_y19]

Pats 16-10 in a horrible game , the skins , this version of them can’t seem beat teams they should . Bears , giants and now pats

I think we mail it in honestly

I agree. The only question is which team wants to tank more. Cause NE has zip to play for either.

 

[dcrising]

16-13 pats who win it on a last second FG. ugly game all around.