When Jayden Daniels went down on the last play before halftime against the Dallas Cowboys in Week 2, many Washington Commanders fans saw flashes of last season, RGIII’s injury saga and a future of winless football.
Since then, Commanders fans have caught multiple breaks and maybe even a little hope for a season of compelling football. Sunday’s thriller versus the Seattle Seahawks underlines the renewed potential of the NFC East team.
The Jayden Daniels of It All
The first break for the fan base was the news that Daniels will not be placed on injury reserve and is considered week-to-week in his recovery.
Daniels might need surgery but is deciding to forgo any procedure until the offseason and is traveling to London. His availability against the Indianapolis Colts this week is up in the air.
After a triumphant rookie year that brought the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game, Daniels has struggled with injuries for the past two seasons. The former Heisman Trophy winner dislocated his left elbow during last year’s Week 9 loss to the Seahawks. He sat for three games. Then, in his first game back, he aggravated the injury and his season was over.
So when the 25-year-old dislocated his elbow again in Week 2 after sticking his hand out to brace his fall, Commanders fans thought it signaled the end of his season. Daniels forgoing surgery could prove costly if he aggravates the injury like last year, but his potential return puts the team in a position to compete in any game.
Instead of worrying about the whole season, Marcus Mariota‘s only job is to hold down the fort until Daniels returns.
Mariota and the Offense
The second break for the Commanders was Mariota and the offense coming alive last Sunday and preventing a 0-3 start.
Often, a 0-3 start is a death sentence in the NFL. The team went into the game as underdogs, and the offense responded with its most complete performance yet.
Mariota was poised and accurate against one of the NFL’s top defenses. His dual-threat ability, similar to Daniels, paired with his experience, makes him not only one of the league’s best backups but even better for the Commanders. The former Oregon Duck had three touchdowns and iced the game with a nine-yard run on 3rd-and-seven. He played a clean game with no turnovers and made big plays.
In fact, the backup quarterback helped unlock the team’s X-factor, wide receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin caught his first touchdown of the season on a 30-yard pass that put the team up by two scores. Washington’s top receiver had been quiet in the first two games and didn’t seem like the focal point.
New offensive coordinator David Blough and his system seemed to click with the unit. At only 31 years old, Blough has the difficult task of getting McLaurin and Stefon Diggs the ball while putting his quarterback in the best position possible. This game could give him momentum going into the rest of the season.
Mariota, McLaurin, Diggs and Blough showing up and putting their best foot forward bodes well for the rest of the Commanders’ season.
Sonny Styles
The third break for Washington was rookie Sonny Styles and the defense. The linebacker looked like a veteran destined to be a top NFL player for years to come. This felt like a breakout game for the former Buckeye.
Styles’ presence was felt all over the field with five tackles, an interception, a forced fumble and multiple pass deflections. He had the sort of impact that can bring a defense to a new tier. At 6-foot-5, 244 pounds and with a 4.46-second 40-yard dash, Styles has an elite combination of size, strength and speed.
Styles’ impressive performance earned him NFC Defensive Player of the Week.
The rest of the defense showed up too, particularly against the run. The Seahawks’ leading rusher Jadarian Price only had 15 yards. Last season, the Commanders had one of the worst run defenses. Now, it’s what the defense hangs its hat on. Stopping the rush limited the Seahawks and forced them to lean on the pass.
When a quarterback drops back, Washington’s defense has been elite at disrupting and pressuring them. They’re ranked fifth in pressure rate and fourth in blitz rate.
The defense kept up the energy and intensity the whole game. If they keep forcing turnovers and stopping the run against the Colts and the Giants in the next two games, the Commanders have a good chance of winning until Daniels comes back.
Commanders’ Season Outlook
The Commanders are in a much better position than previously thought. They can remain competitive in the division once Daniels returns, provided the offense clicks and the defense stays aggressive.
At the same time, a lot of things are working against Washington. Daniels’ elbow remains a concern, but the Commanders will have to find ways to win while he recovers.
The Commanders’ success weighs on Daniels’ performance. As it stands right now, the 1-2 Commanders’ playoff hopes are still alive.
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