As the clock ticks down on the 2024 NFL season, there are just two games this Christmas weekend that don’t involve at least one team with some sort of playoff hope. Unfortunately, one of those involves the Washington Commanders.
The Commanders head to the Meadowlands to play the New York Jets on Sunday; a Jets team without quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers and Zack Wilson. The Jets will turn to Trevor Siemian who hasn’t won a game as a starter since 2017.
There will probably be a lot of hate-watching at kickoff. However, if you want to get into the weeds, here are some things to look for:
1. Can Sam Cosmi continue his quietly productive season?
The offensive line has plenty of issues but the third-year guard isn’t one of them. Cosmi’s move from tackle to the inside hasn’t just been good, it’s been great.
His overall PFF grade this season is 79.4 and you don’t have to watch a lot of the All-22 tape to see the numbers translate to production on the field.
He’s given up just one sack and four hits this year, that’s tops on the team. He needs to cut down on pressures and hits, but the entire line needs to improve in that regard.
He faces a good test in the Jets’ defense but if his play continues to be consistent, Cosmi will represent a rare win for Rivera in the personnel department this season.
2. Can Sam Howell bounce back?
Again, the Jets defense will not make it easy. It would be logical to think he’s hit the “rookie wall” as this is only his second year as a pro and first as a starter.
The last month hasn’t been kind to Howell, he’s thrown just two touchdowns and six interceptions in his last four games. He needs to show whoever is calling the shots next year he deserves to be the Commanders’ quarterback. One with a better offensive line.
3. Will enough players show up emotionally to make a difference?
Despite years of mediocrity, this is the earliest the Commanders have been officially eliminated from the postseason since 2019. This game has no juice, may well be played in front of a half-empty stadium, and were it not for the Josh Harris ownership group NOT being Dan Snyder; it might be completely irrelevant to everyone not on the Washington payroll.
Combine that with a lame-duck staff, it means the only thing motivating players is putting together enough tape to justify staying in the league next year.
4. Will that be enough?
For some yes, but human nature says not so much for others. How many pack it in mentally might be the difference in who wins a meaningless game.