What I’m seeing from Commanders after 4 weeks: Jayden Daniels’ star potential and other observations
The notion of "normal" wasn't a thing with Washington 's organization for over 20 years. In a very different way, it still isn't.
We don't need to revisit the football follies and crass behavior that defined the era under the franchise's previous owner . Nor is this a mention of the steady and coherent stewardship with the current group led by majority partner Josh Harris.
The oddity discussed here is rookie Jayden Daniels' surprising, if not preposterous, performance through four games , its effect on everyone else and the challenge of defining what the heck is happening with these 3-1 Commanders.
We are witnessing a unique scenario created by Daniels, the No. 2 selection in April's draft. The spectacular quarterback prospect's work through four games feels closer to the Marvel Universe than that of other 2024 quarterback draft class members. The Daniels action figure doesn't come with superhuman skills. Would-be tacklers left grasping at air and defenders amazed by his precise passing might disagree.
However, the jaw-dropping historic stats the rookie and Washington's offense have churned out are otherworldly. For example, he has the best completion percentage for a quarterback over any four-game stretch. He also has Washington as runner-up for the most efficient offense after four games behind only the 2007 New England Patriots , with Tom Brady and Randy Moss.
That's insane company Daniels and the Kliff Kingsbury-directed attack share. But how much is real and even somewhat sustainable?
Questioning Daniels at this point screams hater behavior. The (accurate) use of " poise " to describe the rookie's on-field demeanor is used so frequently by teammates and coaches that one might think there's a sponsorship element occurring. The accuracy of throws is remarkable. He leaves the pocket by design when Kingsbury calls for run-pass options or pressure exists, not because (at least since the opener) of fight-or-flight instincts. But it's all done within an offense that still lacks proven starters.
The receiver room beyond Terry McLaurin has rotated contributors weekly. Yet this group, at least until we see more from third-round pick Luke McCaffrey , defines the concept of the sum being greater than the individual parts.
It wasn't long ago — the first half of Week 2 when the New York Giants sacked Daniels five times — when the concerns about the offensive line remained palpable. Fast forward to Sunday when Washington held Arizona without a sack and, per TruMedia, seven pressures allowed.
Having a star quarterback and a play caller at his tactical best helps overcome flaws. So does the element of surprise. Washington's coaches stated this summer that a significant advantage will occur initially because opponents won't know precisely what the Commanders have cooked up.
Studying Kingsbury's previous work reveals a play caller who typically leaves the "X" receiver to the formation's left. McLaurin's usage in the first two games (eight receptions for 39 yards) followed that approach and allowed extra help in coverage based on predictability. In the Week 3 victory at Cincinnati , McLaurin only lined up on the left a season-low 61 percent of snaps. His game-clinching touchdown reception against one-on-one coverage occurred while racing down the right sideline.
The confidence engendered by the offense helped the struggling defense respond with its season-best work against the Cardinals. Washington's four sacks doubled its season total to eight, while the pass coverage held Kyler Murray to 142 passing yards and zero touchdowns after the opening drive. Yet the outside corners remain a talent-based weakness, and edge rusher ranks high on 2025 offseason needs.
Something is brewing with this team. The belief that comes from winning is a significant factor, as is having the dynamic Daniels — and the Commanders' offseason plan. Coach Dan Quinn provided the appropriate description for the roster shuffle: "Recalibrate." This word choice from months back screamed double-talk coachspeak, a way to avoid the non-winning connotations associated with "rebuild," the more common term when starting over.
Specifically, Washington signed established veterans with culture-changing attitudes over pricey Pro Bowlers. Drafting a bushel of team captains , including Daniels and cornerback Mike Sainristil, leaned hard into the mental reset over highlight plays. General manager Adam Peters could have thrown money at linemen or traded picks for flashy receiver help. By signing linebackers Frankie Luvu and Bobby Wagner, running back Austin Ekeler, tight end Zach Ertz and center Tyler Biadasz, the Commanders focused on building a sustainable winner by overhauling the internal mindset.
The growth since training camp, including the locker room camaraderie, and this 3-1 start suggests it's working. Whether that's as a long-term factory reset or contender status this season is uncertain. What happens when opposing defenses, armed with four games' worth of film, find a wrinkle to exploit? How will Daniels and Kingsbury adjust to the adjustment? Even if a tweak — or six — is coming, will that happen this season?
Believe in Daniels. That's fair and appropriate based on all evidence available. Buying Washington as this scoring machine that avoids turnovers (one) and punts (one since Week 1) feels naive. Do you think the defense has turned the corner? Recognize the Commanders rate 30th in defense-adjusted value over average before answering with a confident yes.
And yet, something is happening. Daniels' efficient ascent is happening faster than anyone imagined. Betting against Washington feels wrong after these past three games. Assuming the specific weaknesses from Week 1 have faded away isn't entirely logical, either.
System over style
One obvious way to recognize when a plan works beyond specific players is when backups play and little changes. Running back Jeremy McNichols replaced the injured Ekeler (concussion) against the Cardinals. Despite entering this season with one career touchdown and his most recent offensive touch occurring in 2021, McNichols flourished as fellow running back Brian Robinson Jr. 's tag-team partner, finishing with two touchdown runs and 74 yards from scrimmage.
Receiver room
Olamide Zaccheaus' usage against the Cardinals is the latest example of Kingsbury altering his weekly plan to fit the upcoming challenge. Zaccheaus only played 18 snaps but had a team-high 85 receiving yards and absorbed some of Ekeler's role. Noah Brown , a Week 2 hero , played 67 percent of Washington's 72 offensive snaps. The big-bodied receiver helps with blocking in the run game and offers Daniels a red zone target. As for McCaffrey, the former college quarterback has caught all seven of his targets.
It would be swell to have an established receiver opposite McLaurin. Until that occurs, Kingsbury will find ways to use the pieces on hand effectively.
Help coming or going?
Any Washington chatter involving the league's Nov. 5 trade deadline would logically center on players the team could turn into future picks, at least before the current surge. Suppose the Commanders escape upcoming games against Cleveland and Baltimore with at least a split. In that case, they will enter the Week 7 home game against Carolina at 4-2, followed by winnable games against the Chicago Bears and Giants. This outcome might not convince Peters to trade valuable draft picks for immediate help but could quiet any anticipated noise about moving current players.
Two-time Pro Bowl defensive tackle Jonathan Allen , a potential 2025 salary-cap release, produced his best game this season against the Cardinals. He had his first sack on the year and finished with five tackles — four solo — after only compiling four total in the first three games. How second-rounder Johnny Newton develops following two Jones fracture foot procedures may influence the idea of moving Allen at the deadline. But if Washington keeps winning, Allen may remain on the roster for at least this season.
(Top photo: Christian Petersen / )
