Commanders vs. Saints Preview (12-14-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
NEW ORLEANS, LA – The Washington Commanders return from their bye week, heading south to face the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on Sunday afternoon.
Washington (8-5) is coming off a dominant 42-19 victory against the Tennessee Titans at Norwest Stadium on Dec. 1. Jayden Daniels was dominant accounting for four of the six touchdowns scored by the Commanders. Daniels completed 25-of-his-total-30 throws along with 206 passing yards, three passing touchdowns, one rushing touchdown, and one interception.
Brian Robinson Jr. had 16 carries for 103 yards and a score. Chris Rodriguez Jr. filled in for the injured Austin Ekeler carrying the ball 13 times for a career-high 94 yards and a touchdown.
Terry McLaurin who currently ranks fourth in wide receiver pro ball votes had 8 catches for 73 yards and two scores.
Meanwhile, New Orleans (5-8) returned to NOLA after a 14-11 victory against the New York Giants. Starting quarterback Derek Carr left that contest in the fourth quarter after fracturing his left hand when diving over a Giants defender for a first down and landed awkwardly on his hand.
Return to New Orleans
This game marks the first professional NFL game for Daniels back in New Orleans where he played for LSU in the 2022 and 2023 seasons, and won the Heisman Trophy in his final season.
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore makes his Washington debut against the team that drafted him back in 201, with whom he won the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year and played eight years.
Lattimore said this on how big it is for his debut game coming against his former team “Of course, I’d be lying if I said it didn’t. They traded me away. I’m going back to show why they shouldn’t have. I’m happy where I’m at, it’s extra motivation for the game.”
The addition of Lattimore will be huge for this secondary, taking the burden off of Benjamin St. Juste and allowing him to slide to the No. 2 corner spot. Potentially allowing rookie Mike Sainristil to slide back to his natural spot at nickel.
Keys To Victory For Washington
● Attack On The Ground: In all eight of Washington’s victories this season, they’ve run for over 100 yards on the ground in each game and for 200 yards or more in five of the victories. Coincidence? Not at all, being able to establish its dynamic ground attack with their ball carriers and elite quarterback leads to wins.
● Continue To Force Turnovers: Last week, Washington forced three fumbles and recovered two, which led to the Commanders jumping out to a 21-0 lead. The Commanders ran 77 plays to Tennessee’s 50, keeping the ball out of their hands.
Washington and New Orleans Players To Watch
● CB Marshon Lattimore: The Commanders have overachieved so far this season, and adding Lattimore at the deadline signaled the belief that this regime had in this team competing this season and beyond. Having missed some time this season with a hamstring injury, it’ll be interesting to see how he performs and fits in with his new Commanders teammates.
● RB Alvin Kamara: Kamara has been one of the league’s best backs since entering, he’s a dynamic player who’s a threat anytime he gets the ball. The Saints will rely on him to move the ball in the running game and catch passes in space out of the backfield.
History vs. Saints
This will be the 29th meeting between the two franchises. Washington leads 17-11 all-time. The Saints have won the past three meetings, two of which were in New Orleans.
Final Verdict
The Commanders’ odds of making the playoffs increase to almost 90% with a victory on Sunday. Whereas for New Orleans, their slim playoff hopes take a massive hit and all but end their hopes with a loss. Also, the Seattle and Green Bay Sunday night matchup will be huge for the Commanders. If Washington wins and Green Bay loses, the Commanders move to the sixth seed in the NFC playoff standings.
