Commanders defense has a tall task Sunday, but their hot secondary has another opportunity to take over a game

Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert breaks down how a hot Commanders secondary can take advantage of an inconsistent Jalen Hurts

The Commanders are three days away from their first NFC Conference Championship game in over 30 years. This NFC East heavyweight matchup marks just the fourth time division opponents have met in the conference championship since 2000. Washington will have their hands full Sunday against the No. 2 seed, but it is not an unimaginable feat. Washington has an opportunity Sunday to be the third team ever to win against the top three seeds in their conference in a single postseason and the third sixth seed to reach the Super Bowl. Former NFL quarterback Kurt Benkert believes the Commanders can be the third team to accomplish that feat.

Benkert joined us on the latest Trap or Dive episode and believes that, given the state of both teams, the Commanders should be the favorite on Sunday. Benkert was signed by Commanders head coach Dan Quinn in 2018 and was with Quinn for two and a half seasons. His respect and admiration for Quinn as a leader and coach remain high compared to other organizations he has been a part of.

Benkert has had an opportunity to study both the Commanders and Eagles ahead of this matchup, and his Commanders film breakdown is available now on his YouTube channel. Jalen Hurts is struggling as a passer right now. Specifically, Kurt does not see the consistency from Hurts that is needed to threaten a defense truly. “The Eagles offense scoring when they get to the 40-yard line when they get to the 30-yard line, it’s just not a gimme anymore,” Benkert said about the current state of the Eagles offense.

Alternatively speaking, Benkert acknowledged the strength of Hurts as a passer. “It’s the vertical pass game. He is really good when it’s one-on-one with no safety help. He can put it over the top with air. He can put it back shoulder, like, that’s where he feels comfortable.”

Benkert also acknowledged his weaknesses, which were tighter window throws, specifically congested or contested crossing routes. Can Joe Whitt Jr. and his unit dictate the game against the Saquon Barkley-led Eagles?

You can watch/listen to the Trap or Dive Podcast with Kurt Benkert below. We discussed:

• Why Benkert loves Dan Quinn the person and coach
• What makes Jayden Daniels special
• Washington should be favored over Philadelphia?
• Jalen Hurts strengths and weaknesses, and how he feels the Commanders should game plan coverage-wise
• How Eagles DC Vic Fangio could attack Washington’s offense

Podcast:

YouTube:

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