Take Command

From '1st & Pod' (subscribe here), Andrew and Danny look at which NFC East not named the Eagles can make the playoffs, if Kevin O'Connell is a good coach, if there should be coaching changes in New England and more!

Before The Commanders go against the New York Giants for control of their playoff futures, Logan Paulsen and Craig Hoffman hold a Mailbag episode of Take Command Live. The guys bring in fans to the pod to ask their questions:

First Stephen asks us what the likelihood is of Heinicke coming back next year and whether would you bring back Carson Wentz. Craig says that you kind of have to stay with Heinicke if he wins a playoff game, but both the guys agree he isn't Washington's long-term solution. Logan says that he's the guy to keep and have as the "beat for the job" guy and to try to draft in for a quarterback.

Next, Tom asks the guys what Benjamin St. Juste could bring to the defense in regards to defensive variance/process. Logan says that having defensive variance is more a symbol of less talented teams, so there's less need for the Commanders to increase defensive variance. Craig brings up that because of the previous matchup, we have the potential to be more aggressive on run defense. 

Dennis asks: What are the biggest keys to a win (NOT a tie) on Sunday against the Giants? Logan says that one of the big ways to knock the Giants off their game is to go up and force New York to drop back and try to make bigger plays. Craig points out that controlling Daniel Jones in the pocket will also be a big factor. And Lynnell comes in at the end and asks: what solutions do you have to improve the red zone offense? Logan says that Scott has done a good job designing plays that get players open. Craig points out that part of the issue has been that the play on the field has been a tik too late.

Before The Commanders go against the New York Giants for control of their playoff futures, Logan Paulsen and Craig Hoffman hold a Mailbag episode of Take Command Live. The guys bring in fans to the pod to ask their questions:

First Stephen asks us what the likelihood is of Heinicke coming back next year and whether would you bring back Carson Wentz. Craig says that you kind of have to stay with Heinicke if he wins a playoff game, but both the guys agree he isn't Washington's long-term solution. Logan says that he's the guy to keep and have as the "beat for the job" guy and to try to draft in for a quarterback.

Before The Commanders go against the New York Giants for control of their playoff futures, Logan Paulsen and Craig Hoffman hold a Mailbag episode of Take Command Live. The guys bring in fans to the pod to ask their questions:

Tom asks the guys what Benjamin St. Juste could bring to the defense in regards to defensive variance/process. Logan says that having defensive variance is more a symbol of less talented teams, so there's less need for the Commanders to increase defensive variance. Craig brings up that because of the previous matchup, we have the potential to be more aggressive on run defense. 

Before The Commanders go against the New York Giants for control of their playoff futures, Logan Paulsen and Craig Hoffman hold a Mailbag episode of Take Command Live. The guys bring in fans to the pod to ask their questions:

Dennis asks: What are the biggest keys to a win (NOT a tie) on Sunday against the Giants? Logan says that one of the big ways to knock the Giants off their game is to go up and to force the New York to drop back and try to make bigger plays. Craig points out that controlling Daniel Jones in the pocket will also be a big factor. And Lynnell comes in at the end and asks: what solutions do you have to improve the red zone offense? Logan says that Scott has done a good job designing plays that get players open. Craig points out that part of the issue has been that the play on the field has been a tik too late.

From 'Upper Hand Fantasy' (subscribe here) - Faraz & Zach go over their running back rankings for the first week of the playoffs, including Tony Pollard, Nick Chubb, Joe Mixon, James Conner, Zonovan Knight and more. Is Jonathan Taylor due for a 2-touchdown game? Is Isiah Pacheco set up for a little breakout against Houston? Can you trust Travis Etienne? Also, what to make of the Seattle, Washington, Carolina and New England backfields.

Check out Faraz's full weekly rankings and get more access to answer all of your fantasy football questions on our Patreon page: https://www.patreon.com/Upperhandfantasy

Make sure to check out Underdog's Pick'Ems for every NFL slate. Use the code UPPERHANDPOD to double your initial deposit up to $100: https://play.underdogfantasy.com/pc-xIm5iPVvo7fantasy

Given the Commanders bye week, Logan and Craig start out the show by talking about Philadelphia's 48-22 victory. The guys say that despite the resounding difference in score, it wasn't an easy start for the Eagles, and given Jalen Hurt's play style it would be difficult for us to have a similar performance Sunday.

Logan and Craig take some time to break down Washington's potential offense against a Giants team after the successful bye week. Logan and Craig ask the question, how much do you change the game plan because of New York's injuries in the secondary or if you rely on the run game that has gotten us here?

With The Commanders sitting in 6th place in the NFC and facing the number 7 seed New York Giants, Washington has statistically taken control of their playoff birth. If the Commanders beat the Giants, they will have an 86% chance of making it to the playoffs. Logan and Craig take a second to talk about how the locker room should be feeling right now, and if all goes well, who they would like to face in the playoffs.

Given the Commanders bye week, Logan and Craig start out the show by talking about Philadelphia's 48-22 victory. The guys say that despite the resounding difference in score, it wasn't an easy start for the Eagles, and given Jalen Hurt's play style it would be difficult for us to have a similar performance Sunday.

Logan and Craig take some time to break down Washington's potential offense against a Giants team after the successful bye week. Logan and Craig ask the question, how much do you change the game plan because of New York's injuries in the secondary or if you rely on the run game that has gotten us here?