The Washington Commanders woke up in second place in the NFC East on Monday morning. Sunday’s loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, the Commanders’ third of the season, allowed the rival Philadelphia Eagles to slip into the top spot in the division. The 7-3 Commanders don’t have time to dwell on the 28-27 loss, though.
A high-stakes trip to Philadelphia to face the Eagles awaits on Thursday. “It is a hard turnaround, but this team is, they’ll be itching to play. I can promise you that,” Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Monday.
“You have that taste where you’re just mad.” After Sunday’s game, several Commanders said the loss will provide extra motivation in a short week of preparation. “[Guard Sam Cosmi] told us to let this one hurt; don’t just brush it over,” cornerback Benjamin St-Juste said after the game.
“Let this one hurt so you can bring that motivation and that pain to Philly on Thursday.” Quinn relied on a routine throughout training camp and the regular season to keep his team level. That routine is thrown into disarray this week with just 97 hours separating the loss to the Steelers and the kickoff in Philadelphia.
In any week, the Commanders observe a “24-hour rule.” Players have one day to savor the thrill of a victory or recover from the agony of a defeat. Then they move on.
Sunday’s loss might provide some additional motivation. That process is accelerated with a short week ahead of a Thursday night game. “Watch film, watch film, .