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NFC Game Of The Week
Pittsburgh Steelers at Washington Commanders
Steelers: They are the quietest 6-2 imaginable. In the AFC, of course, the Kansas City Chiefs are going to be the talk of the league because after all, they’re undefeated and they are the two-time defending Super Bowl champions. I think Mike Tomlin is fine with being under the radar. As long as they win football games and they’re taking care of business, what else needs to be said? I know for the last few weeks, he’s been bashed for taking out Justin Fields and starting Russell Wilson. Now, I’ve also been known to say stick with the hot hand, but I can understand why Mike decided to make the switch. Justin hasn’t played poorly or anything, this isn’t any attempt for me to take a shot at him whatsoever. But, let’s be realistic and look at the Steelers’ success when he was the starting Quarterback. They were winning those games despite him, he was never the sole reason for the victories. Has he looked good? Yes, but Pittsburgh went back to the old-school ways which is the strong running game and the defense that’s always one of the best in the league. Justin can’t attack down the field as Russ can and he’s given this offense a spark. I know it’s been a few rough years for the veteran, He was never set up to succeed in Denver and wasn’t on the same page with Sean Payton at any point last year. I understand they played the Jets and Giants recently, but again, look at the difference in offensive production between the two Quarterbacks. This Sunday, they will take a trip to Landover, Maryland for a battle with another first-place team.
Commanders: This is their best nine-game start since 1996 and this is the best I’ve ever seen them look since the rookie season of Robert Griffin III. When they played the Giants on Sunday, I knew it would be a tougher battle the second time around because the Giants were the only team to see the rookie Quarterback twice. They were able to grind the game out and come away with a victory. It doesn’t matter how poorly a team may be playing, but divisional games are always tough at the end of the day. If the playoffs were to start today, the Washington Commanders would be hosting a playoff game and they’d be the two seed in the NFC Playoffs behind you guessed it, the Detroit Lions. I’ve always referred to the NFC East as the most unpredictable division in all of the NFL and this year couldn’t prove my saying to be any more accurate. Every year, there’s never a repeat winner, but this division has always come down to the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys. There’s no way you saw this Washington team sitting at 7-2, in first place in the division, and playing as well as they have. On Instagram yesterday morning, I did my mid-season awards up to now and Offensive Rookie of the Year was Jayden Daniels without question. His approach entering the game reminds me a lot of C.J. Stroud from last season and I say that because nothing phases this kid. He’s always calm under pressure and allows the game to come to him. My Coach of the Year is Dan Quinn and I’m happy he’s taking advantage of a second opportunity. They return home Sunday to welcome the leaders of the AFC North.
Steelers X-Factor: Najee Harris– He is having the best season of his career. Early on, I was critical of their usage of him. Again, I used to see people refer to him as a bust and all I could respond to that was he’s not a bust if he isn’t being fed the football. This is the Steelers’ bread and butter, the ground game, and if they can wear teams down up front with the rushing attack, that helps open up the passing game. Najee is a hard runner that can burst through the tackles and he’s quick enough to run it to the outside. This is a better offense when he’s fed the ball. Najee Rhumba (for all my Martin fans).
Commanders X-Factor: Daron Payne– He was a special player for the Alabama Crimson Tide. In the NFL, he simply knows his role and plays it well. From the interior, Daron creates so much havoc and wins a majority of those battles inside. His leverage is always square, he knows how to position his hands to win those battles and his footwork and speed for a man that weighs over 300 pounds is electric. He will close up those lanes, rip through and make a tackle or, he’s rushing the passer and bringing down the Quarterback. With the pressure the Commanders can apply from the edge, this makes life easier on the interior for Daron to work.
Final Thoughts: This is one of the more exciting games in the 1:00 window on Sunday. It’ll be the first meeting between Russell Wilson and Jayden Daniels, plus, we have two teams here who are both sitting in first place. The Steelers have been dominating teams with the defense and as of late, the offense has come on while the Commanders have been able to stifle teams with their offensive attack and the defense has improved, but it’s been the magical efforts of Jayden. Also, both teams were active at the deadline as Pittsburgh acquired Mike Williams and Washington bolstered their secondary by acquiring Marshon Lattimore. I think this is going to be the best defense the Commanders will have seen all year and I expect them to throw some curve balls. Also, the Steelers will look to build up that lead with some big plays from Russell, Najee, and Jaylen Warren and allow T.J. Watt to tee off on defense. On the other hand, Washington can control things with its rushing attack and Jayden’s elusive scrambling. This is a prove-it type of game for Washington as this would be a signature win. On the year, the Commanders have an-NFC best, 263 points, and the Steelers have only given up 119 points as a defense. I’m picking Pittsburgh to win this game.
Prediction: Steelers 26, Commanders 19
