For the first time in recent memory, the Washington Commanders are off to a stellar start. Following a despicable 2023 campaign, ending 4-13 with the worst point differential in the league, the 7-4 Commanders sit second in the NFC East standings through eleven weeks. The question is: how long will this last? Are the Commanders a legitimate team, or do they just have an easy schedule?
The Commanders’ success this year has been largely attributed to rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and rightfully so. Daniels has been off to a strong start: ninth in the league in completion percentage, fifth in quarterback rating, and second among QBs in rushing yards. As of now, Daniels looks like the franchise quarterback the Commanders have been looking for. Though he could throw more touchdowns and more could be seen from him late in close games, as of now, there is little to worry about among Washington fans.
The rest of their offense is excellent, especially the run game. With running back Brian Robinson leading the charge (as well as Daniels’ scrambling contributions), the Commanders are third in the league in rushing yards and first in rushing touchdowns. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is the obvious standout among pass catchers, continuing to be elite in his sixth year in the league. The O-line has shown massive improvements following their dreadful 2023 season. With standouts like center Tyler Biadasz and tackle Brandon Coleman providing protection, the Commanders hold the third-highest pass block win rate and second-highest run block win rate in the league. This improved line gives Daniels much more protection than they gave Sam Howell last year, ensuring a safe pocket for Daniels to work in. Overall, this offense is special and could be a serious problem for NFC defenses come January.
On the other side of the ball, their defense is passable. Their secondary unit is mediocre, allowing a completion percentage around 70% and a passer rating over 100. Their pass rush is better, having 29 sacks through eleven weeks. Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, and Dante Fowler have all been great additions. The defense is good enough for now, but not quite what they hoped for a few years ago when highly touted defensive end Chase Young was still here.
Before punching their ticket into the Super Bowl, the Commanders need to beat some better teams. According to ESPN, they have the second-lowest strength of victory in the NFC. The best team they have beaten so far is probably the 6-4 Cardinals. They beat them in week four and haven’t beat any above .500 team since. The team they need to beat is their strongest division rival, the Eagles. They just lost to them in Philadelphia, so their last chance to beat them and potentially take the division will be week sixteen at home. A win against the Eagles will prove they’re legit and can play with the best.
This has been a season Commanders fans should be proud of. A team that just a season ago looked like it had no future is now one of the best in the league. That being said, with the NFC full of uber-elite teams like the Lions and the Vikings, getting past them for a spot in the Super Bowl may be too tall of a task for the Commanders. Daniels has no playoff experience, and their defense probably won’t be enough to mitigate the best offenses in the league. While they’ve been great, Commanders fans will likely have to wait a little bit longer before they see the team’s first bowl appearance in over three decades. •
