The Washington Commanders did remarkably well to reach the playoffs in Year 1 under this new regime. That doesn't mean there isn't pressure to perform well and potentially secure a win or two along the way.
Head coach Dan Quinn knows the Commanders are underdogs on the road at the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. He's using that as a source of motivation, ensuring his squad has an us-against-the-world mentality with the knockout rounds on the immediate horizon.
It'll take a collective effort. Everyone who's played well up to now must raise their performance levels. Those who haven't met expectations need to dust themselves off and dig deep to improve their fortunes.
Some will be counted upon more than others. There is a nice blend of youth and experience across the roster. Several have gone deep into the postseason elsewhere. Others have gone one step further and hoisted the Vince Lombardi Trophy. Having this previous knowledge is only going to serve Washington well.
The time for half measures is over. This is the moment everyone must reach or exceed their targets. Otherwise, it won't be long before the Commanders are heading on vacation.
With this in mind, here are five Commanders players who cannot flounder in the playoff pressure cooker. We'll start with veteran running back Austin Ekeler.
Commanders players who cannot flounder in the playoff pressure cooker
Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB
Seeing Austin Ekeler on the field in Week 18 at the Dallas Cowboys was a big boost. The Washington Commanders took their time with the running back, allocating just three carries and two targets in his direction. This was a bedding-in period before getting potentially more involvement in the wildcard round.
This was a big step in the right direction for Ekeler, who'd been out since suffering a serious concussion against the Cowboys in Week 12. Taking every possible precaution was the right call. With another week to rest and prepare, expect to see the dual-threat weapon get an increased workload if he's ready at Raymond James Stadium.
Ekeler's presence was sorely missed. The Commanders' ground game is too reliant on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels to gain yards. Although the Buccaneers have struggled with mobile signal-callers this season, the running backs must also do their part.
The former undrafted free agent out of Western Colorado is an experienced figure who knows how to excel with the spotlight glaring. Ekeler's ability to be a useful asset in the passing game is only going to help, but much will depend on what the Commanders feel is acceptable usage.
Olamide Zaccheaus - Commanders WR
Terry McLaurin will be the focal point in the passing attack. The two-time Pro Bowler is the man for the occasion and recently broke the franchise record for receiving yards in a single season. He'll also be the primary focus of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers coverage scheme.
That means relying on McLaurin alone is not an option. This needs a diverse strategy from offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury to keep the Buccaneers guessing. They aren't the most consistent pass defense around, so there will be opportunities if the coordinator schemes things up effectively.
The Washington Commanders need some unheralded offensive weapons to step up and come to the fore alongside McLaurin and veteran tight end Zach Ertz. Olamide Zaccheaus looks the most likely based on his output over the second half of 2024.
Zaccheaus is starting to earn the trust of Jayden Daniels. He's still prone to an error or two, but the strides made in recent weeks cannot be ignored.
Having someone capable of accumulating receptions over short to intermediate routes and turning them into bigger gains after the catch is only going to assist Washington's cause. Zaccheaus is an aggressive runner who fits the mold until a better option can be found during the offseason. Making every target count is paramount.
Johnny Newton - Commanders DT
Johnny Newton is going through some expected growing pains. The defensive tackle got thrown into the starting lineup perhaps sooner than initially expected after Jonathan Allen tore his pectoral muscle in Week 6 at the Baltimore Ravens. He's had some good games. He's also had some bad ones thrown in over a rollercoaster rookie campaign.
Newton cannot let standards slip in the postseason. The Commanders' once-vaunted defensive line interior continues to underachieve. Allen and Daron Payne are also at fault, but this cannot continue versus the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' exceptional rushing attack.
The Buccaneers are a relentless force running the football. Rookie standout Bucky Irving has taken the league by storm, gaining 1,122 rushing yards and eight touchdowns from 207 carries. Rachaad White is a decent complimentary piece out of the backfield, providing a nice change of pace when the first-year pro needs a breather.
Limiting the league's fourth-best rushing attack is integral for the Commanders. This all starts in the trenches with Allen, Payne, and Newton. It's a big moment for the rookie, but failing to meet his targets is simply not an option in a win-or-go-home environment.
The No. 36 overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft has the tools to thrive. Newton must put everything together and do his part to help Washington reach the divisional round.
Zane Gonzalez - Commanders K
The margins are thinner and the stakes get higher in the playoffs. One doesn't have to look far throughout league history to see what impact a wayward kicker can have on the overall outcome.
Whether it's Gary Anderson's miss for the Minnesota Vikings in the 1998 NFC Championship game or Scott Norwood's failed attempt for the Buffalo Bills in Super Bowl XXV, the postseason is littered with kickers who choke in the biggest moments. It's a different pressure that only a select few handle with no complications attached.
The Commanders will be hoping Zane Gonzalez isn't the primary cause behind their demise. He's demonstrated assured kicking since returning from injury, but this represents a journey into the unknown.
Gonzalez doesn't have much experience kicking in the playoffs. He'll be on the road in an outdoor setting. This game also happens to be on primetime — something that only increases the microscope.
Washington has confidence in Gonzalez. Dan Quinn kept faith with the former seventh-round pick despite a lackluster outing against the Tennessee Titans before the bye week. He responded well after that, which is a trend that must continue at Raymond James Stadium.
If Gonzalez can keep his nerve and come through when it counts, the Commanders won't be too far away from victory. It'll also enhance his chances of an extended stay for good measure.
Quan Martin - Commanders S
Not many Ron Rivera draft picks survived general manager Adam Peters' cull during his first season at the helm. This bears more significance with high-end selections, who were either released or traded as the organization moves toward a brighter future.
This drastic measure represents a damning indictment of Rivera's personnel evaluation during his time in charge. However, the Commanders are harboring no sentiment towards their decision-making process with far more accomplished men running the front office.
There were the odd exceptions. Quan Martn's physical profile and encouraging flashes as a rookie warranted a second look. The Commanders switched him back to his old college position of safety to further raise intrigue. This gave Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense another dynamic tandem on the backend alongside free-agent signing Jeremy Chinn.
Martin's done well overall. He's a physical presence against the run and improving from a support capacity in coverage. The former second-round selection is not the finished product just yet, but he could be one of the few Rivera choices to secure a long-term future with the franchise.
The Illinois product was a late scratch through injury in Week 18 at the Dallas Cowboys. Washington erred on the side of caution with the playoffs in sight, but they cannot afford Martin to be a weak link in his first NFL playoff game versus a prolific Tampa Bay Buccaneers offense.
