NFL Power Rankings: Washington Commanders Making Life Easy For Josh Harris?

The Washington Commanders were blown out for the second straight week.

For the second time in as many weeks, the Washington Commanders allowed 45 points. This time, instead of it being in front of a national audience on Thanksgiving against the Dallas Cowboys, it was in a 45-15 loss to the Miami Dolphins on Sunday at FedEx Field. 

Despite the second straight blowout loss, Washington (4-9) managed to move up two spots in Sports Illustrated's power rankings, though they noted how the team's struggles should be giving owner Josh Harris clarity for what he should do in the offseason. 

"If possible, the score of Sunday’s Commanders loss to the Dolphins looked even closer than the game actually was, and the Commanders lost 45–15," SI writes. "While there is no sense of comfort here, one has to imagine that life is easier for new owner Josh Harris, who, unlike some others in similar positions, doesn’t have much to fret about when deciding whether or not to wipe the slate clean at season’s end." 

Ron Rivera and Josh Harris / USA Today Sports

Since starting the season 2-0, Washington has lost seven of its last nine games and is currently on a four-game losing streak. The Commanders have been outscored 150-70 during that stretch and their defense has allowed the most points per game (30.4) this season.

The loss guaranteed Washington will finish under .500 for the third time in four seasons under head coach Ron Rivera. Barring a miracle, they'll also miss the postseason for the third straight year after winning the NFC East in his first season at the helm. 

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With new owner Josh Harris and Washington's struggles, cleaning the slate and laying a new foundation for the future should a no-brainer after this season.