Sports  

Daniels’ Debut Offers Glimpse of Future but Commanders Opener is a Dud

The Washington Commanders opened up the 2024 campaign with a 37-20 loss on the road to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Overall, a disappointing start to the season with few bright spots and, right now, I leave this game having more questions than answers about the 2024 Commanders.

Here are my top six observations from today’s loss

NELL’S SUPER SIX PACK:

  • Defensively, despite all the cute sayings being put on the back of t-shirts and around the building, it’s the same old story.

“We’re coming with BAD intentions” “We are going to be a defense that plays fast and arrives violently” “Commander football” “Doing hard sh-t with good                  people” These are all quotes and sayings that were heard several times throughout the offseason, they are on t-shirts, as well as printed on the walls throughout the    practice facility in Ashburn, Va. Defensively, Washington lived up to none of the public expectations they set for themselves as a unit. The Buccaneers were not forced to punt the football until the 3rd quarter as they scored on their first five possessions ( FG, FG, TD, FG, TD). Washington looked like a defense that didn’t play its starters in the preseason, tackling was poor, pass rush was inconsistent and unable to capitalize on opportunities.

  • Despite having a new offensive coordinator, Washington struggled to consistently feature their best offensive weapons. Washington was only able to muster up 299 yards offensively, not good enough to win in the NFL. The bigger issue in my opinion? Washington didn’t feature anyone offensively. Terry McLaurin did not have a target until 8:35 left in the 2nd half. Unacceptable. He finished with 2 catches for 17 yards on 4 targets, not good enough. Washington brought in veteran running back Austin Ekler this offseason to help the passing and running game. Ekeler had 2 carries all game long. As a receiver, he was targeted 4 times and finished with 4 catches for 52 yards. The problem is, he should have been targeted more. Good things happen when he touches the football.

  • Jayden Daniels had a historic debut on the ground, but it is not sustainable over 17 weeks. Despite the Commanders only gaining 299 yards of offense, Daniels showed special ability as a runner. He became the first QB in NFL history to have 80+ rushing yards and two rushing TDs in his NFL debut. Daniels finished with 88 yards rushing on 16 attempts and 2 touchdowns. He’s clearly a dynamic runner that is capable of putting an offense on his back with his legs. The problem is, he’s 200 pounds, and I simply don’t think that style of play is sustainable over the course of 17 games. I could be wrong, but I doubt it.

  • Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury’s pass offense was ineffective. Jayden Daniels passing chart vs the Buccaneers went as follows: one completion beyond 10 yards, only three attempts beyond 10 yards and 7 of 17 completions are behind the line of scrimmage. Daniels showed what he could do with his legs, but not much was working in the passing game. The Buccaneers aggressive defensive gameplan is partially to blame, but after watching today, I’m sure teams will employ the same game plan vs Washington. They must have a better response.

  • Yes, kicker is still a MAJOR ISSUE. Washington traded for Browns kicker Cade York after cutdown day as a result of not being able to find a consistent answer at that position after cycling through two kickers during the summer. Today, York cost this team in a big way. York missed from 47 yards and 56 yards, meaning, if he hits his kicks, Washington scores 26 points, a pretty darn good scoring output.

  •  Commanders stock report after Week 1:

            STOCK UP– QB Jayden Daniels, RB Austin Ekler and RB Brian Robinson

            STOCK DOWN– CB Emmanuel Forbes,K Cade York and pass rush

Write a Comment

Related Articles