Final score prediction for Commanders vs. Eagles, Week 8

The Washington Commanders’ season appears to be falling apart as they head into a Week 8 rematch with the Philadelphia Eagles. The then-2-1 Commanders took the Eagles to overtime in Week 4, losing on a field goal. Washington hasn’t been the same since.

With embarrassing losses to the Chicago Bears and New York Giants in recent weeks, the Commanders are now 3-4 and could be sellers at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline.

What happens on Sunday? We here at Commanders Wire make our predictions, and we appear to all be on the same page.

Bryan Manning

I felt hopeful for the Commanders in Week 4, even coming off that embarrassing loss to Buffalo. This time, I struggle to see the Commanders pulling off the upset. Offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy can’t be slow to adapt to Philadelphia’s defense like he was last week against the punchless Giants or the Eagles will have a four-touchdown lead by halftime.

The Ron Rivera regime appears to be heading to an end soon. How soon? Probably not until the end of the season, but Washington fans have seen too many teams play out the stretch with a lame-duck coaching staff. This looks the same.

The Commanders will come out aggressive and keep the game close, but the Eagles are simply better and will pull away early in the fourth quarter, winning by two scores.

Eagles 31, Commanders 20

Ivan Lambert

Last week the entire offense was so overwhelmed.

Sam Howell had less time and more harassment than the normal pressure he endures.

Coupled with his holding the ball too long and Eric Bieniemy’s refusal to adjust earlier, Giants DC Wink Martindale had a field day!

What does that have to do with this week?

Everything. The Eagles defensive coaches no doubt studied that weak performance and are going to come after Sam.

So, what changes will the Commanders undertake offensively?

• Hoping Sam is not asked to drop straight back nearly as much.
• Hoping Cornelius Lucas gets some snaps at right tackle.
• Hoping Eric Bieniemy employs more screens, bubble screens, slants, and moving the pocket as well.
• Hoping Eric Bieniemy at least attempts to keep the Eagles defense honest by running the ball more.

But I also know the Eagles realize the Commanders played them tightly in Philly and are not going to overlook Washington.

Hope I am wrong, but I see something like:

Eagles 27, Commanders 16

Sammy Mansfield

The Washington Commanders’ season is slowly slipping away after yet another inexcusable loss to an inferior team. Things won’t be getting any easier this week, as the NFC-leading Philadelphia Eagles come to town. This will be the second matchup this month between these two teams, following the brutal 34-31 loss in overtime just four weeks ago.

Washington’s offense has been a rollercoaster this season due in large part to Sam Howell’s inconsistent play and inability to get rid of the ball under pressure. Entering Week 7 last week, the New York Giants’ defense had five sacks in six games. They reached that total in three-quarters against the Commanders. Howell is currently on pace to take 97 sacks this season, a staggering number considering the record for a single season is 76.

If we’re looking for a silver lining this week, the last two games against the Eagles have resulted in a win and an overtime loss, so the Commanders have at least been able to keep it close against their divisional rival as of late. Can they keep that trend going today?

Ultimately, we have no reason to trust this team right now, and I am worried this one could get ugly if the offensive line can’t protect Sam Howell from a terrifying Philly front seven led by rookie phenom Jalen Carter.

Eagles 28, Commanders 17