Dan Quinn knows the Commanders’ defense has a huge challenge ahead this Sunday, facing Eagles running back Saquon Barkley.
In the first contest between the Commanders and Eagles (Nov 14), the Washington defense kept the Eagles out of the end zone in the first half. However, in the second half, the Commanders surrendered four consecutive Eagles’ scoring drives of 74, 76, 74, and 46 yards, resulting in 23 second-half Eagles’ points.
Barkley ran wild in the second half, finishing with 146 yards on 26 carries, two receptions for 52 yards, and two touchdowns.
“Like a lot of great players, he is at his best and has proven to be in the end of games. And so, we have to make sure the fit and the tackling on the fifth run is the same on the 25th run. And you have to be able to just continue to do right longer than them. And they’ve proven this year that they’re exceptional at staying at it, staying at it. And that takes a lot of discipline.”
Quinn was asked if he would rely on the veterans on his defense to stop the Eagles’ offense in the second contest.
“Yep. You go back and watch it for sure, you have to. And you want to point out the things that you liked. And then when you think about a game like this, when you’re in any division game, what do you need to stop doing? What do you need to start doing? And what do you want to do the same?”
The Commanders will have the addition of CB Marcus Lattimore, whom they did not have in the first game in Philadelphia. He should help in the pass defense this game.
The Eagles have won ten consecutive games and have a real shot at earning the top playoff seed, giving them a first-round bye.
But Quinn knows the Eagles are not overlooking the Commanders. He also realizes the Eagles’ offense will include a few new looks.
“Each division game, both sides, there’s some new things that neither team has shown. So, that will happen. It’s not like a rinse and repeat, here’s the game plan. You dust it off and put it up in front of everyone. All teams are changing, and things are different and matchups are there. That’s what’s kind of part of the fun of playing the second time.’