Commanders Squeak by Saints

All-Pro Terry – Terry McLaurin was the biggest bright spot in Washington’s narrow win against the Saints. On a day where the offense slowed down aton in the 2nd half, Terry did his best to keep his foot on the gas. With 7 catches for 73 yards and 2 TDs on the day, it was clear that Terry was in the zone. McLaurin is the first Washington wide receiver to have 10 or more touchdown receptions since Gary Clark did so in 1991. Enjoying a career year, I think Terry will get plenty of All-Pro love.

Capital defense – Despite nearly allowing the Saints to come back in the final moments of the game, the Commanders defense was lights out for most of the day. Washington allowed 0 points in the first half for the 3rd time this season. It’s the most in a single season since 2015. The team allowed just 4 completions in the 1st half and forced the Saints to bench their QB.

Injuries piling up – December football is about being tougher and more healthy than the opponent. For Washington, the health part is really beginning to take a toll on this team. The Commanders came into the game without their 3rd and 4th leading receivers with Noah Brown and Austin Ekler out. To make matters worse, starting center Tyler Biadasz missed Sunday with an illness after practicing all week. They gave up a season-high 8 sacks including 2 to former Commander Chase Young. During the game, the team lost its 2nd leading receiver in tight end Zach Ertz with a concussion. On defense, the hits kept coming as the team lost starting safety Jeremey Chinn. Ahead of next week’s showdown with the Eagles, health is the most important thing to this team right now.

Daniels shines in return to NOLA – Commanders rookie QB earned a 2nd home in New Orleans after his two-year run at LSU which included a Heisman Trophy. Sunday it was clear, Daniels loves to play in the Gumbo State. The rookie was electric going 25-31 for 226 yards and 2 TDs. He also chipped in 66 yards on the ground – leading the team in rushing – including a 24-yard scramble. If this team is going to make a run towards the postseason, his play must continue to be the driving force.

Sloppy 2nd half raises concerns about just how good team ACTUALLY is – The Commanders started hot versus the Saints moving the ball at will in the first half, limiting mistakes and capitalizing on every opportunity they could. In the 2nd half, the offense scored just 6 points and could only muster up 146 yards of offense, not good enough. On defense, it was even worse. After holding the Saints to 4 completions in the first half, Spencer Rattler came off the bench and went to work. Rattler led the Saints to 4 scoring drives in the 2nd half including a TD that cut the lead to just 1 with seconds remaining. Not the performance you want to see coming out of the bye

Game Balls– Terry McLaurin, Jayden Daniels, Marshon Lattimore