The opinions expressed in this article do not reflect those of the team unless specified by a direct quote.

The vibes are much better at the Washington Commanders' facility following their 41-24 win over the Las Vegas Raiders. They're now 2-1 for the third consecutive season and looking to go 3-1 in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1991-92.

The Atlanta Falcons (1-2) are off to an uneven start in 2025, but the Commanders shouldn't be quick to chalk it up as an easy win. They have played the Falcons in each of the last four seasons, and all the games have been decided by eight points or fewer, including the overtime thriller in 2024.

Without further ado, let's dive into what Commanders fans want to know this week.

-- @AmatorLudis: Can you explain O-line competition? Isn't MAIN evaluation based on their play in games since how they perform is most evident there rather than in practice? Since Washington's O-line was best vs LVR, won't they stick with Tunsil-Paul-Biadasz-Wylie-Conerly Jr. until Cosmi is ready?

I think we need to remember that games, while they are obviously the biggest measuring sticks each week, are not the only factors coaches need to consider when deciding which players should be starters. The practices are important components in that decision as well, whether it's refining technique or competing on the practice squad. The Commanders have made that a critical part of the team's identity, and the players know they will be rewarded if they show improvement. So, no, the games aren't the main evaluation, but rather a part of the process.

As for the current makeup of the offensive line, it's possible that they will keep things the same against the Falcons, but as Dan Quinn said during Sunday's postgame press conference, they are going to keep the competition open because it helps the overall health of the roster. It sends a message to Chris Paul and Andrew Wylie that they need to keep pushing to remain the starters. For Brandon Coleman and Nick Allegretti, it provides an opportunity for them to regain their positions if they can work hard enough.

-- @LMCEnjoyer: Will LMC continue seeing more reps over guys like Chris Moore and Noah Brown?

It will depend on how he progresses this season. Brown is a starter when healthy, and Moore got more snaps than McCaffrey last week (33-21, respectively). It's possible, but right now, I don't think it's likely that McCaffrey gets more snaps than either of those players if they're on the field.

With that said, I like the trajectory that McCaffrey has been on over the last few months. He works hard and gives good effort on special teams. Those normally lead to more snaps, and he looked quick on his 43-yard touchdown. I know McCaffrey has fans who have been waiting for him to have a breakout game. They might need to be more patient, but McCaffrey is doing all the right things to eventually be a bigger contributor.

-- @redzoneinthelab: Good morning, Zach! Do you expect Savage to start Sunday and/or get significant playing time?

This is an interesting question, because Darnell Savage being immediately plugged into the starting lineup goes against how the Commanders do business. For example, they signed two experienced veterans in Chase Edmonds and Preston Smith last week. Neither of them played because they need more time to learn the playbook and get adjusted to the scheme. There's a plan for both of them, but that can't be realized until they get comfortable in the system.

I expect the same thing will happen with Savage, although the current lack of depth in the secondary plus Savage's familiarity with pass game coordinator Jason Simmons might force the Commanders' hand. He might not start, but he could get a decent number of snaps just because they need bodies in the back end of the defense right now.

-- @MadHatter_LJ: Do we expect Preston Smith to see action this Sunday?

I do believe there's a chance Smith will suit up on Sunday against the Falcons, although I'm not sure how much work he'll get.

On one hand, the Commanders can afford to sit him for another week if they can get another performance out of their front seven like they did against the Raiders. The Commanders racked up five sacks on Geno Smith and harassed him with consistent pressure throughout the afternoon. If they think they repeat that feat, it might be fine to give him more time to learn.

However, there is evidence to suggest the Falcons' offensive line will provide stiffer competition. They're currently seventh in pass block win rate with tackle Jake Matthews and guard Matthew Bergeron posting win rates of 96% and 97%, respectively. The Commanders might need as many pass-rushers as possible to keep the rotation fresh, and with 70.5 career sacks, Smith is one of the best active pass-rushers available.

Smith probably won't start, but I think he could be used on third downs to add more pressure on Michael Penix or whoever is the Falcons' starter.