This time last year, the Washington Commanders (7-3) were last in the NFC East, and now they sit in second place behind the Philadelphia Eagles (7-2).
That's in part due to Washington's coaching overhaul this past offseason with Dan Quinn taking over as head coach and then there's the quarterback they drafted back in April: former LSU standout Jayden Daniels.
The rookie quarterback has completed 68.7 percent of his throws for 2,147 yards with nine touchdowns and two interceptions. But his 101.7 passer rating doesn't tell the whole story as he has also rushed for 464 yards and four touchdowns.
“[H]e’s come out on fire,” Sirianni said. “He’s got his team playing really well. Hats off to their coaches. You know, I just have a lot of respect for that coaching staff and the players on that team. He’s playing really good football. It’s very obvious. I think everybody can see that.
"A really good player who started off on fire, so we’ll have a challenge here this week. Can’t say enough good things about him. You know, how he’s going to the right place with the football, being accurate, the things he can do when things do break down. I have got a lot of respect for him and we’ll have our hands full.”
On the bright side, the Eagles defense has been playing lights out and ranks first in total defense, points allowed, and pass defense since their bye week. They rank second in pass defense and sacks.
It is worth noting that the Eagles haven't faced anyone as tough as the Commanders since the beginning of the season, so Thursday night could expose just how good this Philly defense really is.
