With Jayden Daniels out in Week 3, and Austin Ekeler‘s season-ending injury, there were questions about how the Commanders would perform.
The Washington Commanders ended up playing their most complete game this season against the Raiders. The Commanders clicked on every phase of the game. All three phases were dominant, which led to a 41-24 win.
The offense with Marcus Mariota at the helm was efficient and high scoring.
The Offense’s High-Scoring Day
Washington’s offense executed at a high level versus the Raiders. Mariota’s experience showed as he stepped in and ran the offense with poise and comfort. He plays a similar style to Daniels, which means the offensive system and scheme could stay the same. Mariota is the perfect backup to Daniels for those reasons.
The run game was the unsung hero after a subpar performance against the Packers. Jeremy McNichols was the leading rusher with 78 yards and a touchdown on four carries; Mariota also pitched in with 40 rushing yards and a touchdown.
The rookie running back, Jacory Croskey-Merritt, continues to impress and stepped up huge with a touchdown to ice the game. The offense’s strong rushing day should be a big confidence booster for the offensive line.
Having a successful run game is a very encouraging sign for the rest of the season.
The Defence Shines
As good as the Commanders’ offense was, the defense matched it in spades. Each yard gained from the Raiders was a fight. They stopped both the pass and run game, leading to the blowout win. Bobby Wagner led the team with 11 tackles, including two sacks. Frankie Luvu also pitched in with seven tackles. The defense held the Raiders to less than 100 yards rushing and sacked the quarterback five times.
Geno Smith, the Raiders quarterback, is a 13-year veteran, and even he looked uncomfortable with the pressure the defense produced. The Raiders couldn’t get anything going, only scoring one touchdown in the first three quarters. The defense’s ability to shut down a team like they did in the third quarter of this game bodes well for the important, high-intensity games later in the season. It takes the pressure off the offence and stops a shoot-out scenario.
The Commanders’ defense has the potential to be one of the best in the NFC.
Special Teams’ Big Day
The importance of special teams is often underrated, but when they have a poor performance, everyone takes note. This phase can change the complexion of a game and raise morale when they make an amazing play. Washington’s Special Teams had a spectacular day. They played a great game, other than a missed field goal in the first quarter.
The energy on kickoffs and punt returns was electric, which led to an intensity on the offensive and defensive sides of the ball. Commanders’ special teams’ big play came in the third quarter when Jaylin Lane returned a punt for 90 yards. These explosive plays give the team leverage, flexibility, and take pressure off the offense.
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Conclusion
Washington had an amazing performance from top to bottom at home. Every phase contributed in a big way. The Commanders had a next man up mentality, and everyone stepped up in the wake of an injury to their star QB. These types of wins bond a team and prepare it for the long season ahead.
The Commanders need a repeat of this success on Sunday when they go on the road to play the Falcons, with both Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin out. Mariota and the defense will have to step up again to stay above .500.
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