Playing on the artificial turf of the Superdome proved beneficial for Jayden Daniels as he managed to keep his white jersey relatively clean during the tense game against the New Orleans Saints on Sunday. The rookie quarterback faced a daunting challenge, enduring a personal record for the season with eight sacks during the Commanders’ 20-19 victory. However, these setbacks were less due to issues with the offensive line and more a factor of Daniels navigating the intricate learning curve of his first NFL season.
Coach Dan Quinn addressed these growing pains during a video call on the following Monday, reflecting on the need for a balance between aggressiveness and making calculated decisions in the pocket. “When is that balance, that razor-thin line of staying aggressive to scramble and go like you saw Jayden do some down in the red zone compared to this is a throwaway and move on to the next down, and we’re still growing through that,” Quinn explained. He also emphasized that the struggles were not solely the fault of one individual or position, but acknowledged that they certainly did not meet the standards the team aspired to.
In addition to being sacked frequently, Daniels also made an impact with his legs, rushing 11 times for 66 yards, making him the top rusher for Washington against the Saints. After returning to Louisiana, where he played for LSU and won the Heisman Trophy, Daniels took accountability for his performance. “I need to be able to get the ball out of my hands and help the offensive line out,” he stated. “I put that on me. It is not all on the offensive line. I have to be able to be better back there in the pocket.”
Looking ahead, the task of keeping Daniels protected will be exceptionally tough with the Philadelphia Eagles visiting this weekend, entering the matchup on a 10-game winning streak and poised to clinch the division title with an 11th consecutive victory. The Eagles have amassed 39 sacks entering the week, ranking them tied for ninth in the NFL. Meanwhile, Washington stands at 9-5, clinging to the final wild-card position in the conference, just ahead of the 8-6 Seattle Seahawks with only three games remaining in the season. BetMGM Sportsbook opened with Philadelphia as a 3.5-point favorite.
What worked in the game was the resilience the Commanders showed, coming through a critical win necessitated by a last-minute defensive stand following an early fourth-quarter lead of 20-7. This victory was especially important in context because of the fierce competition in the playoff race, and it marked an improvement from close losses the team faced last month against Pittsburgh and Dallas. Quinn noted, “We’re still getting better. We’re still growing. We’re not all the way established and have had some of those kind of fights.” He expressed a need for continued preparation as the season progresses.
On the other hand, the team’s kicking game faced difficulties once again. Greg Joseph, the fourth kicker to participate for the Commanders this season, missed a 54-yard field-goal attempt late in the game. Quinn explained that Joseph was appointed as a last-minute replacement for Zane Gonzalez, who was struggling with a left foot problem. Austin Seibert is expected to miss at least two games due to a groin injury, so Gonzalez is anticipated to regain his role once he returns to health, despite previous missed opportunities.
In terms of individual performances, cornerback Marshon Lattimore had a standout debut for the Commanders, playing 53 snaps without being targeted by Saints quarterbacks on any of their 31 passing attempts. Quinn highlighted this statistic as a sign of a successful game, stating, “When there’s less attention going to you, that is a sign that you’ve had a really good game.” Lattimore’s presence allowed rookie Mike Sainristil to flourish, leading to a couple of pass breakups and his second career interception. The general manager’s strategic acquisition of Lattimore proved beneficial, particularly after his recovery from a hamstring injury.
Conversely, running back Brian Robinson Jr. struggled, averaging only 3.1 yards per carry on 21 attempts and failing to cross the goal line. Quinn voiced his desire for improved performance in that area, especially given Robinson’s physicality that could be advantageous in short-yardage situations. “I would have loved to see us run the ball more effectively, and that’s all 11 (players on) offense,” he reiterated, emphasizing the importance of turning their efforts into touchdowns.
Injury updates include tight end Zach Ertz and safety Jeremy Chinn, both placed in concussion protocol after the Saints matchup. However, Quinn anticipates the return of center Tyler Biadasz, who missed the game due to illness, for the upcoming clash against the Eagles.
Notably, Washington’s win marked the first time in 22 years they secured a road game immediately after a bye week, the last instance being a victory in Tennessee on October 6, 2002.
Looking ahead, the Commanders must learn from their previous 26-18 loss to Philadelphia on November 14, where they struggled despite leading initially. Although a 9-6 record might still allow a path to the playoffs, a defeat would make the potential upcoming game against Atlanta in Week 17 a must-win scenario.
