Titans vs. Commanders Preview (11-30-24)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Washington Commanders
LANDOVER, MD – The NFL season continues to roll along and enters week 13. The Washington Commanders host the Tennessee Titans at Northwest Stadium on Sunday, December 1st, at 1 p.m.
Tennessee (3-8) is coming off a 32-27 upset victory against the AFC South-leading Houston Texans. Quarterback Will Levis completed 18-of-24 passes for 278 yards and two passing touchdowns. He also was sacked eight times and had one fumble and interception.
Meanwhile, Washington (7-5) enters Sunday’s matchup off a tough loss to their division rival Dallas Cowboys last week, 34-26. Jayden Daniels went 25-of-38 for 275 passing yards, two touchdowns, two interceptions, a rushing touchdown, and a QB rating of 64.1. Although not his best performance, he still provided the slumping offense with moments that kept them in the game and with opportunities to potentially win.
It doesn’t get easy for the slumping Washington offense as it faces the number two ranked defense in the league, which also is number one in pass defense and top 10 in rushing defense.
Keys To Victory
● Take Advantage Of Short Field Opportunities: Last week, Washington forced a blocked kick and fumble, and Dallas missed a field goal. How many points did that result for the Commander? Three points. That is unacceptable and part of the reason they lost last week. If the Commanders are going to end this losing streak, taking advantage of short-yard situations will have to be priority number one.
● Run The Ball: This key has been a staple of keys to victory this season. The Commanders seem to have forgotten the reason for its dominant success of moving the ball was running the football. Kliff Kingsbury cannot rely too much on Daniels’s arm to score points but remember that he has dynamic running backs that can move the chains. Starting back Brian Robinson Jr. must be a focal point to keep involved throughout the game. With Austin Ekeler missing Sunday’s matchup look to see Jeremy McNichols and even Chris Rodriguez at times, they’ve proven to be serviceable pieces who can step up when called upon.
● Pressure Will Levis: Will Levis is a polarizing quarterback. He at times makes great reads and throws that make you see the potential in him. Other times he makes head-scratching decisions that lead to turnovers and have you wondering what he was doing. The Commanders’ defensive line must generate interior pressure and force Levis outside of the pocket on the run. Levis has fumbled the ball five times and thrown nine picks this season. You make him uncomfortable and it can result in a big play for your defense.
Tennessee and Washington Player To Watch
● DT Jeffery Simmons: The leader of the Tennessee defense, Simmons is a powerful defensive tackle who draws attention from offenses. He can attack the run and pass causing havoc for the opposition. Washington must key in on him and make sure he doesn’t dictate the push of the line.
● K Zane Gonzalez: After last week’s kicking performance, the Commanders need a reliable leg to key in on opportunities to score points for them. Gonzalez in two games, is 3-for-3 on field goals, and 4-for-4 on extra point attempts. Let’s see if he can keep up the consistency in place of Austin Seibert.
History vs. Tennessee
Tennessee and Washington meet for its 15th matchup of all time. The Titans currently lead 8-6, winning the most recent matchups in 2022, and 2018 seasons respectively.
Final Verdict
Washington is in a must-win scenario before entering their bye week. They’ve let the past three games slip from them while leading in the second half of each contest. The Commanders currently hold the last NFC Wild Card spot, only ahead of the Arizona Cardinals by one game. Win this game, get a week off, earn some rest, get healthy, and come back off the bye to face a Saints team that has struggled this year.
