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Hot Start Continues for Daniels, Commanders

The only thing hotter than the 100+ degree temperatures in Tempe, Az was Jayden Daniels’ continued spectacular play. The rookie quarterback went 26 for 30 for 233 yards and two overall touchdowns leading the Commanders to a 42-14 victory over the Arizona Cardinals.

Daniels didn’t do it alone getting a lot of help from the running game and the surprisingly stingy defense.

The Commanders – winners of three in a row – now find themselves at 3-1 and in first place in the NFC East.

Nell’s Super Six Pack: My top six observations from the Commanders’ dominant 42-14 win over the Arizona Cardinals, securing a 3-1 record and first place in the NFC East:

 

**6. Ground and Pound**

Even without star running back Austin Ekeler, the Commanders’ rushing attack was relentless, amassing 216 yards on 37 carries and scoring four touchdowns on the ground. Brian Robinson, Jr. rushed for 101 yards and a TD on just 21 carries and Jeremy McNichols stepped up in a big way, rushing for 68 yards and two touchdowns, marking a career-best performance. The Commanders have truly established a physical identity on offense, controlling the clock and minimizing mistakes.

 

**5. Defense Finds Its Footing In The Desert**

Washington’s defense, which had struggled mightily through the first three weeks, turned things around in Arizona. Led by the defensive line duo of Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne – who had been playing subpar in the first three games – the Commanders registered four sacks and held Arizona under 300 yards of offense. The defense played with speed and physicality for the first time this season, showing marked improvement. Allen also reached a career milestone with his 40th sack, tying Brian Orakpo for sixth in franchise history.

 

**4. Offensive Line and Ball Control**

One of the offseason’s biggest questions was whether the revamped offensive line could protect rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. Through four games, the line has answered emphatically, keeping Daniels clean and allowing him to operate without pressure. Washington’s ability to win the time of possession battle (by nearly eight minutes in this game) has been key to their offensive success, as they continue to focus on efficiency rather than flash.

 

**3. Jayden Daniels Dazzles Despite First INT**

Though he threw his first career interception, Daniels once again impressed with his poise and efficiency. He finished the day 26 of 30 for 233 yards, with one rushing touchdown and one passing touchdown. Daniels now holds an NFL record for the highest completion percentage (82.1%) over the first four starts of a career. His ability to respond to adversity—leading back-to-back touchdown drives after his pick—speaks volumes about his maturity and leadership.

 

**2. Best Offensive Start Since…?**

This Commanders offense is off to its hottest start in years. The 42 points scored against Arizona are the most since 2016, and Washington has now scored 30 or more points in consecutive games for the first time since 2017. And the first time scoring 38 or more points in consecutive games since 1991, the franchise’s last year winning the Super Bowl. Jayden Daniels has been a revelation, becoming just the fourth quarterback in the Super Bowl era with four rushing touchdowns in his first four games, joining elite company with Robert Griffin III, Cam Newton, and Anthony Richardson.

 

**1. Game Balls**

These players made significant contributions to Washington’s big win and deserve recognition for their standout performances:

– **Jeremy McNichols** (RB)

– **Olamide Zaccheaus** (WR)

– **Jonathan Allen** (DT)

– **Dorance Armstrong** (DE)

– **Jayden Daniels** (QB)

– **Terry McLaurin** (WR)

– **Bobby Wagner** (LB)

– **Daron Payne** (DT)

Next up for the Commanders: the Cleveland Browns (1-3) come into town for a Sunday game at 1 p.m.

 

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