The NFL offseason continues to change the landscape as teams get ready for the 2023 season. A few franchises are facing the playoff expectations gun to their head. The Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Kansas City Chiefs, Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints are dismal on this homework assignment. These barriers may threaten their ability to secure a spot in the postseason.
In a recent game, the Eagles had a chance to secure a victory after a crucial interception by Daniels late in the fourth quarter. With only a three-point cushion, they seemed ready to finish the match. The change in momentum did little to address how they would deliver when it counted most.
And even with that offensive trouble, the Commanders still demonstrated impressive resiliency in their inaugural season this spring. They improved from a minus-14 turnover margin in 2023 to plus-one the next year. Their 8-2 record in one-score games is proof that they know how to win the close ones. A standout moment occurred in Week 18 when quarterback Marcus Mariota made a critical fourth-and-1 run for 33 yards with only 33 seconds remaining. This decision made the game much more difficult against Dallas. With only six seconds to go in the game, he threw the decisive touchdown pass to McLaurin.
The Eagles’ Fine Line Between Victory and Defeat
The Philadelphia Eagles proved their ability to win the close contests of the past two seasons. In 2021, for example, they went 8-0 with all those games decided by a single score. This success didn’t stop there, as this carried their perfect 10-0 record in such situations over to last season.
Yet, with the pressure of high-stakes moments, questions have been raised about their capacity to reliably close out games. Daniels’s long, leaping interception set up a potential game-sealing score for the Eagles. Unfortunately, they weren’t able to walk through that open door. Doubts remained as to if they could do it again in such close races in the future contests.
As the Eagles move into tougher tests that lie ahead, their composure in pressure spots will certainly be tested. As they walk this tightrope, the stakes have never been higher with their long-term insistence on remaining competitive in today’s NHL where each and every point matters.
Commanders’ Remarkable Turnaround
From last year to this year, the Washington Commanders have made extreme changes. In 2023, they had a brutal minus-14 turnover margin. Then they improved on-field and off-field by making a minus to plus. Just the obvious upside in capability and development. We’ve seen this shift be critically important to their success more broadly, most of all in tight contests.
Their one-war success is through the roof with an 8-2 record in this short contest. This resilient performance demonstrates their ability to battle through adversity and compete effectively against formidable opponents.
Perhaps the most defining moment of the Commanders’ season came in Week 18 Miami against Dallas. And with time ticking away, Marcus Mariota’s fourth-and-1 gamble – 33 yards to the house – was enough to lead them to victory. After this game-altering play, he hit McLaurin for the go-ahead TD pass with just 12 seconds remaining. The win displayed their grit, but more importantly it displayed their potential to find success in the future.
The Chiefs and Their Struggles
Kansas City Chiefs fans know the season came to a bitter finish. They succumbed to a shocking 38-0 blowout loss at the hands of the Denver Broncos in Week 18. Star players such as Mahomes sat on the bench for most or all of that game. This defeat was alarming in terms of the team’s depth and readiness to mount a postseason run.
Even with this loss, the Chiefs finished the season with a point differential worthy of a 10.2-win team. They score a touchdown on almost 54 percent of their red zone possessions. Third, it demonstrates they’re good at converting scoring opportunities quickly and effectively when the game is on the line.
Their struggles at important moments are impossible to overlook. It’s a popular comparison among fans to last year’s Minnesota Vikings, who overcame some substantial odds themselves en route to a successful season last year. As Kansas City prepares for 2024, improving upon these troublesome inconsistencies has to be the priority while keeping them competitive in a challenging AFC West division.
Other Teams in Playoff Contention
The Colts were able to pull together enough of a squad to win eight games last year, but issues remain at the quarterback position. Anthony Richardson’s propensity to throw interceptions on 4.5% of his dropbacks shows obvious places to improve at. If the Colts hope to make a deep run, solving these problems will be key.
At the same time, the consistently high-performing New Orleans Saints had a disappointing and lackluster year on their own right. One particular moment really stood out, and it erupted in Week 15. Spencer Rattler threw a TD strike to Foster Moreau as time ran out to cut their deficit to just one point to their bitter rival. While thrilling to watch, those tense finishes showcase their undeniable skill yet expose the unevenness they’ve shown all year long.
The Los Angeles Chargers are going through the exact same struggle with game-defining plays killing their chances to make the playoffs. A field goal that granted them a two-point lead with just over four minutes remaining in Week 14 exemplified how tightly contested games can dictate playoff outcomes.
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