Three keys to Commanders' quick begin: Jayden Daniels has Washington 3-1 for first time since 2011

If in case you have a quarterback, you could have an opportunity. If you happen to do not, you do not. And thru 4 video games, Jayden Daniels seems to be like he might be the long-awaited reply at quarterback for the Commanders. The numbers behind Washington’s 3-1 begin are spectacular no matter context, however much more so given the context of simply how a lot the staff has struggled on the recreation’s most essential place.

No matter context, Daniels’ 82.1% completion proportion is patently absurd — one of the best in any four-game stretch in NFL historical past (min. 50 makes an attempt), simply forward of a peak Peyton Manning stretch in 2008. The Commanders have a 54.6% success fee, greatest within the NFL this season. It might be the second-best on document (since 2000), behind the 2011 Saints. Washington’s 0.27 anticipated factors added per play is double that of the league’s second-best offense this season (the Bills) and, once more, can be one of the best on document, this time simply forward of the 2004 Colts.

However then add in these numbers, seemingly innocuous till you notice how lengthy it has been since Washington’s executed it. Again-to-back video games with not less than 38 factors? First time for the franchise since 1991 … when it went on to win the Super Bowl. And a 3-1 begin? Perhaps not an enormous deal till you notice it is Washington’s first time since 2011.

“You discuss it, and also you ensure that — you need them to really feel that emotion within the locker room after a win,” coach Dan Quinn mentioned Monday after the staff returned from a 42-14 win over Arizona. “We have now an actual course of that we undergo each single week to go get us able to play, and that begins right now and during tomorrow and into Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. We have now a theme of day by day. So, by staying constant in that strategy, I feel that helps keep away from the highs and lows. And I hope, and what I informed the staff earlier is simply an absolute obsession with getting higher and that is what we have to chase. Not what occurred within the final recreation, however simply an absolute obsession on issues that we will enhance on. As a result of, fairly actually, we predict we will enhance in loads of areas.”

Washington is aware of glimpses of idiot’s gold success all too properly, however maybe all the novelty, from the brand new teaching workers to the brand new quarterback to the overhauled roster, will be one thing that lasts. Time will inform. Washington hasn’t precisely confronted a murderers’ row of defenses — all 4 of Washington’s opponents rank twentieth or worse in defensive success fee — however a part of that’s that Washington has executed properly towards of them. Plus, you’ll be able to solely play who’s in your schedule. Talking of that schedule, subsequent up is a proficient Cleveland protection that ranks eighth in defensive success fee.

However for now, with Daniels ripping up document books, this is what’s working for Washington.

1. Staying on schedule, and staying composed after they’re not

The Commanders have executed an distinctive job staying on schedule, because the aforementioned success fee suggests. Solely 22.9% of Washington’s performs have gone for 0 or unfavorable yards, the bottom fee within the NFL and simply higher of high-powered assaults such because the Ravens and Lions.

However nonetheless, which means a couple of in each 5 performs goes nowhere or, even worse, backward. It is how the Commanders — not simply Daniels — reply after these performs. Washington is presently producing 0.52 anticipated factors added per play on performs instantly following a play that goes for 0 or unfavorable yards. This additionally possible is not sustainable: The 2004 Colts maintain one of the best mark for a whole season at 0.43. But it surely speaks volumes to Daniels’ preternatural calm in addition to Kliff Kingsbury’s creativity. Washington has used loads of seems to be — added safety, pre-snap movement and even run performs — to get shifting when behind the chains.

The run recreation has been an enormous assist. Washington has the league’s most anticipated factors added on speeding performs after ending twenty first in that class final 12 months. An NFL-best 10 touchdowns speeding helps, however so, too, do the little performs that transfer the sticks. Solely the Ravens and Saints have extra runs that end in first downs, and whereas Daniels’ total floor numbers aren’t gaudy, his capability to transform is essential. As we see right here, not each 3-yard rush — this one to transform a third-and-1 — is created equal.

Brian Robinson Jr., in the meantime, brings the thunder to Daniels’ lightning; Robinson’s 3.92 yards after contact per rush is sixth within the NFL.

Once more, this form of effectivity is not more likely to final. If it does, we’re an all-time nice offense. However a giant purpose for the success has been one other sudden improvement …

2. Offensive line taking part in properly, and Daniels managing strain

There have been loads of questions surrounding this roster coming into the season, and among the many greatest — and probably the most urgent, given the rookie quarterback — was the offensive line.

To date, Washington’s group has stepped up, with a number of left tackles (Cornelius Lucas and Brandon Coleman) taking part in alongside new left guard Nick Allegretti and new middle Tyler Biadasz, with holdovers at proper guard and proper sort out in Sam Cosmi and Andrew Wylie. Washington presently grades out because the fourth-best go blocking unit for Professional Soccer Focus. The staff has allowed the Tenth-lowest strain fee within the league, too.

Daniels has executed a superb job mitigating and navigating strain, a key side for younger quarterbacks adjusting to NFL pace and measurement. He has been sacked on 21% of his pressured dropbacks, fifteenth within the league. That will not sound nice, however think about the participant taken forward of him, Caleb Williams, has been sacked 30% of the time he is been pressured. Daniels’ scrambling has been wonderful, however so, too, has his pocket presence. He is been keen to hold in and ship some throws.

Once more, the Daniels and the road might be examined — Myles Garrett and the remainder of Cleveland’s go rush is not any joke — however for now, it is so far, so good.

After a quiet Week 1, Terry McLaurin has come on, and his shifting across the formation has been a giant purpose why.

Washington’s greatest play of the season, Daniels’ landing to McLaurin late in Week 3, got here on the large receiver’s request, according to the Washington Post. You will discover he is on the correct facet for that one.

Washington appears to have discovered one thing in bodily rookie Luke McCaffrey and veteran Noah Brown, however McLaurin continues to be the clear No. 1. Shifting him round has helped change his and the offense’s trajectories.