The Washington Commanders beat the New York Giants 21-18 landing their first win of the season, but they lost in other areas.
After losing the season opener to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 37-20, the Commanders were in full damage control, focusing on quarterback Jayden Daniel’s level of play in the pocket to replacing a Kicker they fired the day afterward. Add the injury of Cornerback Emmauel Forbes Jr., Week 2 could have been horrible. However, that was not the case as the Commanders this week as they found a way to win. Here are three takeaways from Sunday’s Week 2 win.
Washington Commanders Focused on Ball Control
The Washington Commanders controlled the ball for 37 minutes in Sunday’s win. Along with dominating the time of possession they also had 22 First Downs to New York’s 18. In addition, Washington Commanders Quarterback Jayden Daniels averaged around 7.7 yards per throw Sunday, limiting deep throws.
Daniels’ longest pass was 34 yards. Yes, he completed 23 for 226 yards, but the throws didn’t show a lot of risks being taken downfield. This was a coordinated effort to keep control of the ball and inch down the field. The drives were not exciting but did move the sticks. There’s no need to say, “Well, they didn’t use Terry McLaurin“. McLaurin was targeted eight times and caught six for 22 yards, his longest being 12.
Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels’ Job Was To Stay In Field Goal Range
Even with the low numbers shown in the air attack on Sunday, Daniel’s job was mostly to keep the team within field goal range. This, in turn, was also a chance to work out new Kicker Austin Siebert to see what his range was and if he was going to have a job on Monday.
Obviously, things worked out. He scored all the points and was perfect on all seven kicks. Meanwhile, the Commanders’ offensive struggles continued. They were in the red zone six times and came up with no touchdowns. This is what makes the victory unique, considering the Giants did score effectively in red zone territory. The two-point conversions may haunt them this week, but they got in.
Daniels is still a young quarterback learning on the job, so if he could do that, finishing drives with touchdowns would be only a matter of time.
Washington Commanders’ Defense Still Needs A Lot Of Work
The Washington Commanders shouldn’t breathe a sigh of relief yet: New York scored three touchdowns in Sunday’s game. If the two-point conversions had been successful that would have been 24 points. Washington has to look past the comfort of having an accurate kicker in place now how to get into the red zone.
Week 3, the Commanders head to Cincinnati to face the Bengals, who scored consistently in all four quarters this past Sunday. Joe Burrow completed 23-of-36 passes for 258 yards and two touchdowns. They also did just as well in controlling the ball for 31 minutes. The Bengals are also 0-2, but their defense ranks at #14 in the league. The Commander’s defense ranks one of the lowest in the league. Burrow will make them work for a Week 3 win.
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