Suffice it to say D.C. is using excessive proper now. Daniels seems to be the actual deal, and the workforce has overachieved expectations. After a blowout Week 1 loss to Tampa Bay, the Commanders beat the Giants 21-18 earlier than dealing with the Bengals and at the moment are tied for first place with the Eagles in the NFC East. Nevertheless, it is also essential to not get too carried away… but.
The Week 2 win towards the Giants — a nasty workforce that was anticipated to be dangerous — probably would have been a loss had it not been for New York’s particular groups points in that recreation. After Graham Gano was injured on the opening kickoff, the Giants didn’t have an obtainable kicker, and their lack of ability to transform any further factors on their three touchdowns was the sport’s distinction.
The Bengals’ win was rather more spectacular, however Cincinnati is without doubt one of the large disappointments of the season up to now, sitting 0-3 with an surprising house loss to the New England Patriots in Week 1. They’re thought of a formidable opponent attributable to their success in current seasons, however regardless of star QB Joe Burrow being again wholesome, they’ve some deeper points to kind out.
It was evident from watching Monday’s recreation that the identical factor can nonetheless be stated about Washington’s roster. Daniels was the story, and rightfully so, however his efficiency additionally masked one other poor one from the Commanders’ protection, which didn’t drive a single punt or turnover. Burrow had his method with Washington’s porous secondary, throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns, with 118 of these yards and two touchdowns belonging to Ja’Marr Chase.
The defensive entrance wasn’t significantly better, struggling to place strain on Burrow — one other recurring theme this season. In three video games, the Commanders recorded solely four sacks and stars Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne have been invisible, combining for less than six tackles. Contemplating that this unit is meant to be one of many workforce’s strengths, that’s regarding.
The offensive line has been improved from a season in the past, and Washington’s receiving threats — specifically Terry McLaurin (4 receptions for 100 yards and a landing) — lastly acquired concerned on Monday. With Daniels underneath middle, there isn’t any cause to suppose the Commanders’ “college offense” cannot proceed to be an thrilling watch.
Finally, this roster is not constructed to win proper now, because it nonetheless options a number of obtrusive holes. Subsequently, expectations have to be tempered — and that is okay. This season was all the time in regards to the future, and Daniels’ early success makes that future a lot brighter.
