Nell’s Super Six Pack: Top 6 Observations from Commanders’ 38-33 Win Over the Bengals on Monday Night Football
1. Jayden Daniels IS PrimeTime
Jayden Daniels put on a clinic, completing 21-of-23 passes, giving him a record-setting 91.3% completion percentage—the highest ever by a rookie in a single game in NFL history, as well as in franchise history. His 2nd highest completion percentage through three games also puts him among the all-time greats. This was Daniels’ true “coming out party,” and Washington fans now have real hope about what this young QB can achieve.
2. Kliff Kingsbury Pushing All the Right Buttons
Washington’s offense is red-hot, and head coach Kliff Kingsbury deserves the credit. No team in Super Bowl history has had two consecutive games with zero turnovers and zero punts. Washington also scored 21 points in the first half, the most since 2018, and had three rushing touchdowns by halftime—their first such feat since 1999. Kingsbury’s play-calling has been balanced and effective, mixing the run and pass game to perfection.
3. The Offense is SCARY When Terry is Involved
Getting Terry McLaurin more involved in the offense paid off in a big way. After only 39 receiving yards before this game, McLaurin broke out with 100 yards on four catches. This was his 16th career 100-yard game and his first since late last season. When Terry is at his best, this offense is dangerous.
4. Austin Ekeler Still Has Gas in the Tank
Doubts about Austin Ekeler’s durability were put to rest Monday night. Ekeler rushed for 35 yards and a touchdown while also adding 22 receiving yards. His 62-yard kickoff return was the longest by a Washington player since 2021. Ekeler also hit milestones, recording his 40th career rushing touchdown and 70th total touchdown, becoming only the second undrafted running back to reach 70 touchdowns, joining Priest Holmes.
5. Defense Needs to Improve Despite the Win
Washington’s defense left a lot to be desired. Jon Allen and Daron Payne, two of the team’s highest-paid players, were not as impactful as they should have been. The defense did show promise with rookies Javonte Jean-Baptist and Johnny Newton flashing potential. Still, stopping the run on 1st and 2nd down remains a major issue that must be addressed moving forward.
6. STOCK REPORT
Stock Up: Jayden Daniels, Austin Ekeler, Offensive Line, Terry McLaurin, Jeremy Chinn, Johnny Newton, Javonte Jean-Baptist
Stock Down: Run defense, pass rush, Jon Allen, Daron Payne
HUGEEEE PRIMETIME WIN FOR @Commanders
Jayden Daniels 📈
Brandon Coleman 📈
Terry McLaurin 📈
Nick Allegretti 📈
Javonte Jean-Baptiste 📈
Jeremy Chinn 📈@mymcmedia pic.twitter.com/I7qjuRPabo— Lynnell Willingham (@Nell_BTP) September 24, 2024
The 2-1 Commanders will travel to Arizona to play the Cardinals on Sunday at 4:05 p.m.
