The Daily Slop – 17 October 2026
Editor’s note: Each day, Hogs Haven compiles a collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, with a sprinkling of other stuff. Enjoy!
Commanders links
Articles
Sports Illustrated
Commanders Have One of NFL’s Best Turnover Margins — So Why Just One Win?
Five weeks in, the team has produced seven takeawaysin a season where they’ve turned the ball over only twice. That’s a +5 turnover differential for the Commanders, tied for second-best in the NFL, even though the team has only won once this season.
This is unusual, as teams in the top five in that category tend to be better positioned to win.
Washington got that lone win byturning three takeaways into 20 points in a 33-31 win, despite Seattle heavily outgaining the Commanders. That game should serve as an example moving forward of what happens when they take advantage of opponents’ mistakes. Against Indianapolis, however, Washington forced two turnovers but managed just three points off those opportunities in a 30-13 loss.
The Commanders enter Week 6 ranked 30th in scoring defense, allowing 29.8 points per game. Washington is 25th against the pass, allowing 242.5 yards per game. The team’s offense averages 23 points per game, good enough to rank 17th in the league.
Monday, Washington faces the 49ers, who average 30.8 points per game but only have a +2 turnover differential and a 5-0 record. That’s the difference between these two teams. Washington has done a good job taking the ball away, but when you’re allowing nearly 30 points per game and failing to consistently capitalize on those extra possessions, even one of the NFL’s best turnover margins isn’t going to save you.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
ESPN
NFL Week 6 preview: Picks, predictions, schedule, betting odds, fantasy tips
What we’re hearing on the Commanders: If Washington can orchestrate a bounce-back game after its inexplicable last play against the Giants, it begins with being more disciplined, notably in two key areas: penalties and defense. The Commanders’ margin for error is just not high enough to overcome the combined 33 penalties (16 on offense) they’ve incurred the past three weeks. It breaks down to seven false starts, two unnecessary roughness calls and two face masks. But the other issue defensively is not maintaining pass-rush lanes, allowing QBs to escape the pocket even on blitzes. That would be a big problem against Brock Purdy. “We have to play really disciplined,” coach Dan Quinn said. — John Keim
Stat to know: The Commanders have converted 32% of third downs, which ranks 29th in the NFL. That’s related to their average down-to-go distance on third down, which sits at 8.1 yards (30th). — ESPN Research
Betting insight: The over has hit in five straight 49ers games as favorites of at least 3.5 points. Purdy gets a Washington defense that has given up 14 passing touchdowns, with Evans and Kittle both drawing favorable matchups, like Moody said. QB Jayden Daniels adds scoring potential with his legs after rushing for 103 yards last week, giving Washington a way to contribute even if passing proves difficult. Read more. — Maldonado
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
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The Athletic (paywall)
Plenty of blame to go around in Washington
In Washington, Dan Quinn, Jayden Daniels and David Blough all took ownership of the end-of-game failure that resulted in the most devastating tie I can remember. It was a real “I am Spartacus” moment.
Quinn spoke to the entire team Monday, telling them that everything starts with him and that he should have been better. The secondary message was that while everyone has to be accountable, everyone should hold others accountable, too. Daniels and Blough each addressed the offense individually.
Four of Washington’s next five games are in primetime, so one imagines there can’t be many more embarrassments like last week’s without massive change from owner Josh Harris. But don’t forget that Daniels played really well in his return until the final play of the game, and Washington is only two games back of the division leader — the team it led by 14 points in the fourth quarter Sunday.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Roundtable
With no team dominating, Commanders still in contention for NFC East crown
Washington also enters week six with a chance to play spoiler — and drastically alter the outlook of the season.
How could that be if the Commanders are staring at a 1-3-1 record? Look no further than the struggles throughout the rest of the division.
[W]ith just one game separating the Commanders from both the Eagles and Cowboys, the Commanders have an opportunity to redefine the season outlook in a prove-it game.
That now puts pressure on the response for a team that has taken accountability for how week five unraveled.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Roundtable
3 keys to Commanders – 49ers
Win on third down
The Commanders have an issue with third down on both sides of the ball. They rank 29th in conversion rate on offense, while the defense ranks 24th, allowing opponents to convert on 43.28% of their attempts. The 49ers are the inverse of that, ranking first in third down percentage on offense and 18th on defense. If the Commanders hope to come away from Monday’s game with an upset, they must find a remedy for both issues.
An easy solution is for the Commanders to improve their production on third down, and there were examples of them doing that against the New York Giants last weekend. They gained double-digit yardage on nine of their first-down scenarios, and it often helped set the tone for drives. However, there were also 13 first downs where they gained three yards or fewer. The 49ers are giving up just 4.7 yards per play, so the Commanders must find some way to get the ball out of Jayden Daniels’ hands, whether it’s with quick passes or finding lanes on the ground.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Commanders Roundtable
Commanders looking to play more consistently after halftime
Most of the potential Washington’s defense has shown has come in the first halves of games. They are around league average for first-half points allowed and seventh in points given up in the first quarter. They are disruptive at the line of scrimmage and competitive in the secondary. Four of their seven turnovers have come in the first half, and their performance against the run — the unit’s best quality — is particularly stingy, as opponents average just 40.8 yards on the ground against Washington in the first two quarters.
But things change for Washington in the second half, and the Giants game is the latest example of that. At the start of the third quarter, the Giants had just 77 net yards, and Winston had seven completions. The Giants ended the game with 408 yards, including 103 on the ground, and a 47.1% third-down conversion rate. Winston threw the ball 54 times — tied for the second-most of his career.
The players know that it is not enough to start strong. They need to finish games, too.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Athlon Sports
Odafe Oweh’s Slow Start Raises Questions About Commanders’ $100M Bet
The edge rusher didn’t record a tackle against the Giants, and Washington needs more from its biggest offseason signing Monday night in San Francisco
The Washington Commanders paid outside linebacker Odafe Oweh to deliver steady pressure, but his two sacks through five games have put that investment under an early spotlight. Oweh did not record a tackle, sack, forced fumble or fumble recovery in the 27-27 Week 5 tie with the New York Giants, a quiet outing that sharpened concerns about his start.
Oweh made his most impactful play in the Week 4 loss to the Indianapolis Colts, recording a sack and forcing a fumble. The Commanders need that kind of disruption more often from a front that has allowed 30.5 points per game through five weeks.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Riggo’s Rag
7 Commanders players caught in concerning mismatches against the 49ers
Lucas Patrick – Commanders OL
The Washington Commanders feel comfortable enough moving forward with Lucas Patrick as their starting center. This doesn’t reflect well on general manager Adam Peters’ blind faith in Nick Allegretti, but it’s their best option right now.
Patrick has been solid if unspectacular. That’s all the Commanders really needed, especially after how much shakier things looked with Allegretti at the anchor. Having Jayden Daniels back and mobile will help, but Osa Odighizuwa poses another strong challenge in Santa Clara.
Odighizuwa is well known to head coach Dan Quinn. He worked closely with the defensive lineman during their time together with the Dallas Cowboys, so he’ll know how best to counteract his skill set.
That’s easier said than done.
While Odighizuwa is a physical force, his consistency can dip in and out. It’ll be a challenge for Patrick, but he’s got a shot at containing him if the early battles swing in his favor.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Riggo’s Rag
Chig Okonkwo’s breakout leaves Commanders needing more than a one-week flash
This was a promising development
[A]gainst the Giants,
Okonkwo caught four passes for 60 receiving yards on six targets. He set the tone early as the Commanders built a two-score lead in the first half.
Everybody had high hopes for Okonkwo in Washington, due to the fact that he’d be in the best situation of his career. It wasn’t an ideal start, but now that he’s building chemistry with Daniels, there’s a chance to turn things around.
Commanders need Chig Okonkwo to be the tight end nightmare they can’t defend
The Commanders have been notoriously bad at covering tight ends for years running. This season, they’ve let Dallas Goedert, Jake Ferguson, and Isaiah Likely all have field days against them. Anytime an opponent has a third-and-short in a crucial situation against Washington, it’s almost a guarantee that the ball is finding an open big body for a fresh set of downs.
That is what Okonkwo needs to be.
He has the athleticism and playmaking ability to be a high-volume pass-catcher in Blough’s system — a player Daniels can trust as a go-to target.
he must now prove his Week 5 production surge can become the start of great things in Washington.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Podcasts & videos
Daron Payne Is READY for Primetime 😤 + Rocky McIntosh’s Love for the DMV | Next Man Up | Commanders
Commanders Can’t Upset 5-0 49ers Until They Stop Beating Themselves
NFC East links
Stadium Rant
Jalen Hurts’ Blood Clot Marks The End Of Eagles Season
Hurts most likely now will be put on blood thinners, and you can’t play football while being on thinners. With this being where we’re headed in a best-case scenario, Hurts is out for 45 days, meaning he would miss about 6-7 weeks.
Yet the Eagles already have a 2-3 record and face the Panthers, Commanders, Giants, Steelers, Cardinals, and Cowboys twice in this realistic best-case scenario for Hurts. Out of those teams, the Cardinals are the only game you can count on Philadelphia to win.
By the time Hurts would return in this realistic best-case scenario, if it’s six weeks, the Eagles could be 2-8. Or if it turned out to be seven weeks, the Eagles potentially have a 3-9 record and are well out of playoff contention [Bill-in-Bangkok: Not sure how one extra week for Hurts turns into 2 games played for Philly, but since this is hypothetical speculation, I didn’t pursue it to see if it needs correction]. And by then there’s no point in bringing Hurts back for a season that’s already lost.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
From The Athletic:
The Eagles did not place Hurts on injured reserve Friday, and they have until 4 p.m. ET Saturday to do so if they wish to capture the Week 6 game against Carolina among the four he must sit out while designated for return.
League and team sources tell me Hurts was at Eagles practice Thursday after news broke of the blood clot, which would sideline him at least for this week (and almost surely beyond this week). He was not spotted at practice Friday as he and the team continue to gather opinions on the best course of action.
During his Friday news conference, coach Nick Sirianni continued to refer to the Eagles’ “detailed statement” from Thursday, offering no further substantive details on the current status of the franchise quarterback.
If the team continues to lose, regardless of how closely, it might be prudent for the Eagles to take their so-called medicine, trade some assets and hit a quick reset for 2027. With more than three weeks before the trade deadline and in a tight NFC East, there is no rush to make that decision yet.
To read more of this article from The Athletic, CLICK HERE
Bleeding Green Nation
Eagles sign Cowboys practice squad quarterback
The [Eagles] will move forward with Tanner McKee as the starting QB, and have rookie Cole Payton as the backup, but added more depth on Friday by signing Joe Milton off the Dallas Cowboys’ practice squad.
Milton has two seasons under his belt in Dallas, and played in five games during that time. He completed 37-of 53 pass attempts for 424 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions.
It’s interesting that the Eagles didn’t bring back Andy Dalton, who they released just a week ago, but there were some internet rumors that other teams were interested in the veteran QB and maybe he didn’t want to return to Philly.
Either way, the Eagles signing Milton means they don’t expect Jalen Hurts to be back soon, and will need at least an emergency QB3, if not someone to compete for the backup job.
Bleeding Green Nation
Eagles place Will Shipley on injured reserve
Two of Philadelphia’s top three running backs have landed on IR
Shipley, who started on Sunday, reportedly suffered “a partial tear of his plantar fascia” during the Eagles’ Week 5 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars.
By going on IR, Shipley will automatically miss the Eagles’ next four games:
- Week 6 vs. Carolina Panthers
- Week 7 vs. Dallas Cowboys
- Week 8 at Washington Commanders
- Week 9 vs. New York Giants
The Eagles then have their bye in Week 10 so the earliest we could see Shipley back is Week 11, when they host the Pittsburgh Steelers.
With Saquon Barkley still nursing a hamstring injury and Tank Bigsby also on IR, the Eagles are currently without their top three running backs. Dameon Pierce and Carson Steele are the only healthy backfield options on the roster.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Blogging the Boys
Cowboys at Packers: 3 causes for concern in Week 6
While it’s still very early in the season, this feels like a game the Cowboys need to win if they want any shot at winning the NFC East.
Before the two teams square off, here are three causes for concern in this matchup.
Cowboys’ recent history against Green Bay
This may sound hard to believe, but Friday, October 16th marks exactly 10 years since the last Cowboys victory over the Packers. Since that 2016 win in Lambeau, Dallas has lost five of their last six matchups against Green Bay, with the only non-loss being the tie last season.
If you look back a little further, Dallas is 1-10-1 in the two teams’ last 12 matchups, including a 1-5 record in games at Lambeau Field. While year-over-year trends don’t amount to much in the NFL, it’s hard to look at Dallas’ recent track record against the Packers and not be a bit concerned.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Canal Street Chronicles
Interview with the Enemy: New York Giants
Who are some notable names who will be sidelined for the Giants on Sunday against the Saints? Is there a particular area in which New Orleans could exploit?
EV: Well, of course QB Jaxson Dart and edge defender Brian Burns are out for the year. Right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor and edge defender Abdul Carter, both with calf injuries, could miss Sunday. Carter is the Giants’ best defender and pass rusher, and he would be sorely missed.
In our weekly picks, I took the Giants. Problem is, if Carter doesn’t play, that is a huge problem for New York. He is the driving force in their pass rush, and they wouldn’t be the same defense without him.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
Upcoming opponent – 49ers
Commanders next game is on the road on Monday Night Football vs the San Francisco 49ers
Niners Nation
3 things to watch for in 49ers-Commanders: Keep Jayden Daniels in the pocket
The overall defense for Washington has earned a zero in EPA, which means the defense isn’t a positive, but it isn’t a detriment. The scales tip based on the Commanders’ run defense, as the passing defense has been torched. Washington allows -0.07 EPA/rush, and the passing defense allows 0.05 EPA/pass.
The interesting part is the game plan may be closer to the vest on Monday night given the injuries to the receiver position. Mike Evans missed Thursday’s practice with soreness in his Achilles. The 49ers may be inclined to run the football and try to hit that magic 30-carry number, but Washington is solid at defending the run.
Will the 49ers throw it around the yard and test Fabian Moreau or Mike Sainristil? [BiB: If Nick Cross and Trey Amos are able to return to play this week, Washington’s secondary could have a very different look on Monday night — hopefully for the better]. Amik Robertson has done a great job so far in 2026, but the secondary around him is very susceptible to the pass.
Defending Jayden Daniels
It doesn’t matter the season, defensive coordinator, or personnel; the 49ers have issues defending mobile quarterbacks. Daniels rushing ability kept Washington alive last Sunday against the Giants. Washington’s offense is [not often] under center at 37.7%, which is the third-lowest total in the NFL. Out of shotgun is where the Commanders live, at 53.9%.
Disciplined pass rush will be the key to containing Daniels.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
NFL league links
Articles
ESPN
Titans CEO apologizes to fans, supports Robert Saleh, GM
The Titans have fired a coach or general manager every year since 2022. They recently fired senior vice president of brand marketing Erin Swartz, senior vice president and chief revenue officer Adam Nuse and vice president of creative Charles Jensen.
When asked about the instability, Nihill said it’s possible to be “agile while still being stable as a business.”
Tennessee has lost 33 of its past 39 games and is stuck in a seven-game losing streak dating to Week 17 of last season. There was a lot of optimism that the Titans would take a big step toward respectability heading into the opening of Nissan Stadium next season, but a poor product has left many fans wondering when they will get another win.
“The first thing I would say back to the fans is just that we’re sorry,” Nihill told ESPN. “There’s nobody in this building that doesn’t feel … a sense of grief about it, because not only are we fans of the team as well, but we feel the sense of responsibility to deliver. And we’ve let our fans down because football is supposed to be fun.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
ESPN
Seahawks sticking with Sam Darnold as starter despite INTs
“I think we have a lot of faith in Sam,” Macdonald said Friday. “Sam’s played great football for us. He’s done a lot of great things this year but obviously turned the ball over more than we want to. I feel like there’s things on our end that can help him play better football, and I think he’s definitely part of the solution rather than the opposite.”
Back-to-back defeats have dropped the reigning Super Bowl champions to 3-3.
Darnold ranks 26th in Total QBR (43.8) since Week 3, when he returned from a glute injury that he suffered on the fifth play of the season opener. Backup Drew Lock posted the league’s fourth-best QBR (84.7) over the first two weeks and did not turn the ball over while filling in.
To read more of this article, CLICK HERE
