The Philadelphia Eagleshave enough on their plate without allowing the Washington Commanders' less-heralded players to become the difference in Sunday's NFC East matchup. The Commanders have several established offensive weapons, but some of the more interesting challenges could come from players who don't necessarily command the same attention from opposing defenses.
Philadelphia's recent defensive performances show how quickly a game can slip away when assignments break down, or opponents find favorable matchups. Washington will look for opportunities to capitalize on those mistakes.
The Eagles cannot afford to focus exclusively on the names that headline the scouting report. Here are four Commanders players who could create problems for Philadelphia
if they aren't properly accounted for.
Rachaad White, running back
Rachaad White gives Washington a versatile option out of the backfield, able to contribute as both a runner and a receiver. That versatility deserves attention from an Eagles defense that has struggled to contain opposing rushing attacks during its recent losing streak.
Philadelphia must account for more than White's ability to carry the football. Running backs have also found opportunities against the Eagles through short passes, turning routine completions into meaningful gains after the catch. If the defense commits too heavily to stopping Washington's ground game, White could become an effective checkdown option with room to operate underneath.
The challenge will be maintaining gap discipline while recognizing White's involvement in the passing game. Philadelphia cannot afford to lose track of him when he releases into the flat or finds space against a linebacker.
Dyami Brown, wide receiver
Dyami Brown may not be Washington's most prominent receiving option, but he can create problems when the defense loses track of him. He has 16 targets, catching nine passes for 94 yards, including a 48-yard reception. Four of his receptions have resulted in first downs, giving him a role beyond simply stretching the field.
Brown's production has been limited, but his longest reception illustrates the kind of play he can make if Philadelphia allows him space downfield. The Eagles' secondary needs to maintain its assignments and avoid giving him opportunities to turn a routine route into an explosive gain.
Ball security is another consideration. Brown has lost one of his two fumbles, giving Philadelphia a potential opportunity to create a takeaway if it can finish tackles and attack the football.
Quan Martin, safety
Quan Martin has played a reserve role for Washington, but he has still logged 274 defensive snaps this season. His production includes 26 tackles, 14 solo stops, and one tackle for loss, making him a useful contributor in the Commanders' secondary.
Philadelphia should not overlook a player who has received that much defensive work, especially as the Eagles try to generate consistent offensive production. Martin's involvement could put him in position to affect plays near the line of scrimmage, and the Eagles need to account for him when identifying Washington's coverage looks.
His role may not attract the same attention as the Commanders' starting defensive backs, but Martin has been on the field enough to influence the game.
Shy Tuttle, defensive tackle
Shy Tuttle has played just 134 defensive snaps this season, but his workload will increase after Javon Kinlaw missed practice this week with groin and ankle issues. At the same time,ile Jer'Zhan Newton was limited with a pectoral injury. Newton is on the designated-to-return list but won't be back this Sunday.
Tuttle could receive additional opportunities. He recorded his first sack of the season in Week 6, offering a glimpse of what he can provide with more chances. Philadelphia's interior offensive line has dealt with its own challenges, making the matchup worth monitoring if Washington needs Tuttle to take on a larger role.
The Eagles cannot assume a reserve defensive tackle will be an afterthought. If Tuttle gets more snaps, Philadelphia must be prepared for him to make an impact rather than allowing an unexpected contributor to disrupt the offense.
This article originally appeared on Eagles Wire: 4 overlooked Commanders who could challenge the Eagles in Week 8
