Washington Commanders Week 12 Preview

Introduction

After a tough loss against the New York Giants in Week 11, the Washington Commanders find themselves at a crossroads as they prepare for their upcoming matchup. With a disappointing performance that saw them turn the ball over six times, the Commanders are looking to bounce back and make a statement in Week 12. Let’s dive into the numbers from last week and see where the team stands as they gear up for their next challenge.

Power Ranking

Currently, the Commanders sit at the bottom of the league with a power ranking of 32, boasting a win rate of only 30.0% against a median opponent. This ranking is a stark reminder of the uphill battle the team faces. It’s clear that the Commanders need to not only improve their win-loss record but also their overall performance on the field. The pressure is on, and the team must find a way to rise from the depths of the standings.

Overall Drive Efficiency

In terms of overall drive efficiency, the Commanders rank 24th in the league. This statistic highlights the inconsistency in their offensive production and the inability to sustain drives effectively. Last week’s game against the Giants was a prime example, as the team managed 404 yards but failed to convert those opportunities into points, largely due to their staggering turnover rate. If the Commanders want to improve their standing, they must focus on executing drives more efficiently and converting those yards into touchdowns rather than turnovers.

Defensive Drive Efficiency

The Commanders’ defensive drive efficiency ranks 24th as well, which is not exactly a badge of honor. This means that the defense is allowing opponents to move the ball down the field with relative ease. In Week 11, the Giants managed to score 31 points, taking advantage of the Commanders' defensive lapses. To turn the tide, the defense needs to tighten up and prevent opposing offenses from gaining momentum. A stronger defensive performance could not only limit the opponent's scoring but also give the offense more opportunities to capitalize on favorable field position.

Offensive Drive Efficiency

On the offensive side, the Commanders rank 20th in drive efficiency. While this is slightly better than their overall ranking, it still leaves much to be desired. The inability to maintain possession and convert drives into points has been a recurring theme this season. With six turnovers against the Giants, it’s clear that the offense must prioritize ball security and make smarter decisions on the field. If they can improve their efficiency and reduce turnovers, the Commanders could see a significant uptick in their scoring and overall performance.

Defensive Turnover Efficiency

The Commanders’ defensive turnover efficiency is ranked 29th in the league, indicating a lack of ability to generate turnovers. This statistic is particularly concerning, as creating turnovers can be a game-changer. In contrast, the Giants managed to avoid any turnovers last week, which allowed them to control the game. If the Commanders want to turn their fortunes around, they need to find ways to create more turnovers and give their offense additional chances to score. A few timely interceptions or fumble recoveries could shift the momentum in their favor.

Offensive Turnover Efficiency

On the offensive side of things, the Commanders rank 19th in turnover efficiency. While this is slightly better than their defensive counterpart, it’s still a troubling statistic given the six turnovers they committed last week. To win games, the Commanders need to protect the football and minimize mistakes. Every turnover not only kills a drive but also gives the opposing team a chance to score. The coaching staff must emphasize ball security in practice and encourage players to make smarter decisions during games.

Drive Time

Interestingly, the Commanders rank 7th in drive time, indicating that when they do manage to move the ball, they take their sweet time doing it. While this can be beneficial for controlling the clock, it also means that they need to convert those long drives into points. Last week, they had the ball for extended periods but failed to capitalize, which ultimately hurt their chances to win. Finding a balance between maintaining possession and scoring efficiently will be crucial as they move forward.

Preview For Next Week

As the Commanders prepare to face the Dallas Cowboys in Week 12, they have a tough road ahead. The Cowboys are favored by 13.5 points and have a strong chance of winning, with simulations predicting a 73.75% likelihood of a Dallas victory. However, the Commanders have a 61.7% chance of covering the spread, which suggests that they may keep it closer than expected. The over/under for the game is set at 47.5 points, with a 61.6% likelihood of hitting the over. This matchup will be crucial for the Commanders to prove they can compete against a formidable opponent and turn their season around.

Conclusion

The Washington Commanders have a lot of work to do if they want to improve their standing in the league. With their current stats reflecting a team struggling to find its identity, the upcoming game against the Cowboys presents an opportunity for redemption. If they can tighten up their offense, create turnovers on defense, and maintain their drive efficiency, there’s a chance they could surprise everyone and pull off an upset. Here’s hoping the Commanders can rise to the occasion and give their fans something to cheer about!

Stay tuned to advancedfootballstats.com for more data-driven insights and analysis as we continue to follow the Washington Commanders' journey throughout the 2023 NFL season.