The Washington Commanders took command of the NFC East Sunday, beating the Arizona Cardinals 42-14. Sunday’s win solidified Washington’s No.1 spot in the NFC East at 3-1 and moved them into a third week of being in that position. Coming off a Week Three primetime win Monday night against the Cincinnati Bengals, Head Coach Dan Quinn immediately got the team to Arizona to practice for the week to keep them focused. They were more than focused, they dominated the game.
Commanders Quarterback Jayden Daniels had 26 completions for 233 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. Running Back Brian Robinson Jr. carried the ball 21 times for 101 yards, while fellow Running Back Jeremy McNicholes had an amazing game with eight carries for 68 yards and two touchdowns. Wide Receiver Olamide Zaccheaus led the way in receptions, catching six for 85 yards, followed by Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin with seven catches for 52 yards and a touchdown.
Commanders Turnovers Didn’t Cost Them
One of the main qualities of Commanders Quarterback Jayden Daniels this season has been his lack of turnovers. That changed with a late second-quarter interception. This was his first career interception on his 86th pass attempt through three games.
The play was a Cover Two where he was trying to split two Cardinals defenders to get to McLaurin. Still, the ball sailed slightly left and into the hands of Cardinals Cornerback Garrett Williams at Arizona’s 18-yard line. Sunday also saw Punter Tress Way return to action, punting late in the second quarter. For perspective, Way didn’t have to punt since the fourth quarter of Week One vs. Tampa Bay.
Commanders Defense Stepped Up In A Big Way
The Commanders’ defense, however, maintained great damage control from the interception, keeping the Cardinals unsuccessful on third-down conversions most of the second half. Arizona‘s first third-down conversion came in the last two minutes of the half. The Cardinals’ offense could not convert any points with two turnovers on downs and an interception, and this slow production lasted the entire game.
The defense also had a major stop in the last 29 seconds of the half, which gave them time to get into field goal range. Kicker Austin Seibert finished the first half with a 45-yard field goal giving the Commanders a 17-7 lead at halftime. Overall the defense played aggressively, yet under control, sacking Cardinals Quarterback Kyler Murray four times for a 27-yard loss, and a late-game fumble. They also kept the Cardinals’ offense off the field. The Cardinals only held the ball 26 minutes to the Commanders’ 33 minutes of offense.
Jayden Daniels Looks To Break An RG3 Record
The Commanders scored early in the third quarter thanks to a 47-yard pass interference call against the Cardinals. This led to a nine-yard touchdown run by Daniels, his fourth this season. Former Commanders Quarterback Robert Griffin III holds the TD record with seven touchdowns in 2012. For Daniels, it’s just Week Four, which gives him enough time to chase that record if he desires.
Final Thoughts
The Washington Commanders played soft coverage in the fourth leading 35-14. Their strategy was simple: Let the Cardinals run the ball and burn time. Also, it cannot be ignored that for a player who only had two full seasons of good play under his belt, Jeremy McNichols had an awesome game. He was a great third-down back and gave Robinson breaks when needed. He is explosive and should be used more often. The Commanders will be home for Week Five versus the Cleveland Browns.
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