The Washington Commanders are back on the practice field in Ashburn as they prepare for the final week of the regular season and a road matchup against the Philadelphia Eagles. With just one game left, the focus has shifted almost entirely from results to evaluation — and who can still show something worth carrying into the offseason.
On the latest episode of Commanders Daily, Bob Matthews outlines how the final week will unfold, including two more padded practices, a walkthrough, and then the trip north for Sunday’s 4:25 p.m. kickoff. While the season’s direction has long been settled, Matthews emphasizes one consistent theme: this team continues to play hard, and no one inside the building is talking about shutting it down.
Dan Quinn acknowledged earlier this week that several players remain questionable, including quarterback Marcus Mariota and left tackle Laremy Tunsil. Even so, Quinn made it clear that anyone who is healthy enough will play. That approach matters in a season like this — not just for individual players fighting for roster spots, but for a locker room still buying into the culture Quinn has tried to establish.
The episode also explores an unexpected storyline that surfaced midweek: Dallas releasing cornerback Trevon Diggs. Matthews walks through the pros and cons of Washington potentially exploring interest — not for this week, but looking ahead. Diggs’ history with Quinn, his past production, recent injuries, and uneven play are all weighed against a defensive backfield that struggled mightily this season. It raises a larger question Washington must answer this offseason: where upgrades matter most, and how free agency will signal draft priorities.
With Philadelphia likely managing workloads and Washington still dealing with injuries, Sunday’s finale presents another opportunity to evaluate younger players and depth pieces under real conditions. Matthews frames the game less as a measuring stick against the Eagles and more as a final data point for decision-makers.
What should fans watch for? Which performances matter most? And what does Washington need to do — if anything — to give itself a chance against a playoff-bound opponent? All of this and more can be found here.
Conor Forrest is the Editor-in-Chief and Senior Commanders Insider for SportsJourney.com. As a graduate of George Mason University, Forrest has spent the last eight years sharing his love for sports with listeners and viewers in the DC area and around the world. He hosts the “After Further Review Podcast” and has held numerous on-air and writing roles covering the DC area sports, Division 1 Basketball, and the NFL. His work has been featured on outlets like NBC Sports Washington, Fansided.com, Heavy.com and The Fourth Estate.
Leave a Reply