Commanders have no answer for Jahmyr Gibbs’ electricity
Every week, whether it's matchup, team history, situation, or scheme, there’s a player who can single-handedly flip a game on its head. For some players, however, regardless of any outlying factors, their presence alone can flip the script.
For Detroit, Jahmyr Gibbs remains one of the most electrifying, dynamic players in football, and against the Washington Commanders’ slow, banged-up defense, he’s primed to erupt.
Simply put, Washington’s defense is an absolute mess at all three levels.
Gibbs set to eat against Commanders in Week 10
They’ve been gutted by injuries at every level -- Dorance Armstrong and Deatrich Wise are out for the year, corner Marshon Lattimore tore his ACL last week after a brutal stretch of play, and to add to that, they're an aging, sluggish unit that’s been unable to contain anyone, let alone a ballplayer like Gibbs.
The Commanders are the oldest roster in football, and it shows. They still rely heavily on Bobby Wagner, a future Hall of Famer but is someone who has really been a strategically placed road cone in coverage through nine weeks. Then there's Von Miller, who at times has gotten home on passing downs, but is now being asked to set the edge on early downs at 240 pounds after the aforementioned injuries to players 30 pounds heavier have forced major adjusments.
They have players playing out of place, there's been minimal adjustments, the talent level simply isn't enough, and the only real switch the team has made will come this week as defensive coordinator Joe Whitt will move from the booth to the sideline. Surely, that'll fix the issues, right? Yikes.
On top of that, if it could get any worse, the defensive staff has refused to turn consistently to younger, faster options like second-year 'backer Jordan Magee, 2025 Day 3 pick Kain Medrano, or hybrid athlete Tyler Owens -- a puzzling decision considering the speed they've had to face so far this fall.
That’s exactly where Gibbs can take over, and it probably won't take long. He doesn’t just win in space -- he thrives there.
Whether it’s slipping through a crease between the tackles or flexing out wide to torch a linebacker in coverage, Gibbs’ versatility forces defenses into impossible decisions. Blitz, and he’ll beat you to the edge. Drop back, and he’ll gash you underneath. One missed angle, and it’s six points.
No defense truly has an answer for Gibbs’ explosiveness, but Washington’s limitations make the mismatch glaring. They simply don’t have the athletes to match up.
Gibbs’ ability to make a cut and hit top speed instantly makes him a threat to score from anywhere on the field, and if Detroit’s offensive line opens even modest lanes, it could be a long afternoon for Washington once again.
Adding fuel to the fire for Detroit, the matchup also carries emotional weight. After a narrow divisional loss last week against the Vikings, Dan Campbell’s team is looking to reset. And after Washington trotted into town and took down the Lions in the 2024 Divisional Round by hanging 45 points on Detroit’s defense, there’s no shortage of motivation.
With the Commanders sitting at 3-6 and reeling, Gibbs’ speed could turn this one into a track meet before the end of the first stanza.
Mark Davis Fires Back at NFL Commissioner Over Brady's Raiders Drama: "This Is About More Than Just One Player"
In a sharp response to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell’s recent comments regarding Tom Brady’s involvement with the Las Vegas Raiders, team owner Mark Davis is setting the record straight. Davis, who has been navigating the controversy surrounding Brady’s unannounced role with the organization, made it clear that the focus should be on the bigger picture, not just one player.
“Let’s get one thing straight: this is about the Raiders, not just about Brady,” Davis said, visibly frustrated by the ongoing narrative. “We’ve made moves for the future of this franchise, and Tom is a part of that vision. We’re not here to cater to any one person’s agenda. The Raiders are a team with a legacy, and we’re building something strong for the future.”
Davis’ comments come after Goodell addressed the media regarding Brady’s unofficial position with the Raiders, sparking debate and questions about transparency. Davis emphasized that Brady’s involvement was a natural fit given his long-standing relationship with the organization, and that the focus should be on how the team is evolving as a whole.
“Tom’s experience and leadership are valuable, but he’s not the only story here,” Davis continued. “We’ve got a team full of talented players and coaches who are focused on building this franchise into a contender. That’s the narrative we should be focusing on.”
While Davis has repeatedly downplayed the controversy, it’s clear he’s not backing down from his decision to bring Brady into the fold. With the Raiders’ future on the line, Davis is determined to keep pushing forward—regardless of the outside noise.
“We’re always looking ahead, not behind,” Davis concluded. “This team is about winning, and we’re committed to doing whatever it takes to get there.”
