This season will be considered one for the books for the Washington Commanders, giving fans and the entire NFL community a true glimpse of the franchise’s rebuild.
The Commanders made it through preseason having played their first regular season game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers last weekend. While the team has made great strides in draft picks, trades, and upgrading numerous positions, it still remains to be seen on how the Commanders will perform this season after their 37-20 loss against the Buccaneers on Sept. 8.
Below are crucial Commanders observations that will either elevate hopes or concerns ahead of next week’s home battle against the New York Giants:
- Quarterback Jayden Daniels Showing Promise
The confidence in rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels grew after he showcased tremendous athleticism in his legs last Sunday against the Buccaneers. During training camp, Daniels showed his teammates and fans previews of his athleticism.
In his first professional season game, Daniels finished the day for the Commanders with 88 rushing yards, averaging 5.5 yards per carry, and scoring two rushing touchdowns.
Although it wasn’t enough to spark enough scoring action against Tampa Bay, it truly showed the league what the future holds for the Commanders offense if Daniels continues to lead this offensive unit.
Defensive lines will definitely have to prepare as this offensive unit grows and progresses.
- Commanders Release Kicker Cade York
Once again, the Washington Commanders are looking for another kicker. The Commanders released kicker Cade York on Monday, following his two missed field goals in Washington’s season-opener loss.
The Commanders only had York for three weeks after acquiring him from the Cleveland Browns. However, because York was never on the Commanders roster, Washington doesn’t have to give up the pick.
The Commanders are expected to sign Browns veteran Austin Siebert to replace York. Siebert has executed 45-56 field goal attempts in his career so far in the NFL.
- Emmanuel Forbes Jr. Still Showing No Bounce Back From Rookie Year Season
First-round draft pick Emmanuel Forbes Jr. is seeking a comeback season after a disappointing rookie season.
With the status of the cornerback’s draft pick, it was expected for Forbes to become the Commanders’ breakout player. However, last season that was not the case. Midway last season Pro Football Focus and Bleacher Reporter gave the Commanders a D+ in their selection of the rookie cornerback.
The Commanders tried to shift perspectives this season by giving Forbes a chance to prove himself at the Commanders season opener. Forbes lacked success at the hands of Buccaneers’ wide receivers Chris Godwin and Mike Evans.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. pulled Forbes in the second quarter putting Noah Igbinoghene in the game at the cornerback position.
- Defense Looking To Improve In Domination
Sunday featured a concerning debut for the Commanders’ defensive unit. Tackles were missed, committed penalties were executed, and coverages were blown throughout the entire game.
Permitted by Washington’s defense, Tampa Bay scored on their first five drives while also executing a sack, and forcing a punt in the game. On third down, the Buccaneers were 9 for 13, averaging 6.4 yards each play. Tampa Bay’s Baker Mayfield became the first quarterback to throw for four touchdowns against the Washington Commanders, throwing 289 yards total this past Sunday.
The Washington Commanders will face the New York Giants on Sunday, Sept. 15 at 1 p.m. for their first home game of the regular season.
