Jayden Daniels has set a scorching pace over his recent four-game stretch with an astonishing 82.1% completion rate, surpassing even Peyton Manning’s peak period in 2008. This exceptional level of play has certainly drawn attention, but another team making waves early in the season is the Washington Commanders.
A Dominant Start for the Commanders
The Washington Commanders have kicked off their season with a formidable 3-1 record. This strong start is bolstered by their league-leading success rate of 54.6%, which stands as the second-best on record since 2000. The Commanders are producing 0.27 expected points added (EPA) per play, which is double that of the Buffalo Bills, an impressive feat considering the Bills' established prowess.
Notably, the 2004 Colts, renowned for their offensive efficiency, had a slightly lower EPA per play than the current rate set by the Commanders. Washington's offensive explosion has seen them scoring at least 38 points in back-to-back games, a feat they haven’t accomplished since 1991. It’s important to note, however, that all four of their opponents this season have defensive success rates ranking 20th or worse, potentially inflating the Commanders' impressive statistics.
Efficiency on Offense
Washington has minimized negative plays, with only 22.9% of their plays resulting in zero or negative yards, the lowest rate in the NFL. Even when faced with setbacks, the Commanders excel, generating 0.52 EPA per play following losses or stagnations. This outstrips the 2004 Colts' season mark of 0.43, highlighting Washington's resilience and tactical acumen.
The Commanders’ ground game has been particularly potent, leading the league in expected points added on rushing plays and recording the highest number of rushing touchdowns with ten. They rank third in the number of runs resulting in first downs, underscoring their consistent ground efficiency. Brian Robinson Jr. has been a standout performer, averaging 3.92 yards after contact per rush, placing him sixth in the league. This relentless ground attack has been a cornerstone of Washington's offensive dominance.
Stellar Offensive Line Play
Another critical factor in Washington's success has been the performance of their offensive line, which Pro Football Focus grades as the fourth-best pass-blocking unit. They have allowed the tenth-lowest pressure rate, providing quarterback Jayden Daniels ample time to execute plays. Despite this solid protection, Daniels has been sacked on 21% of his pressured dropbacks, a figure that, while notable, still fares better compared to Caleb Williams, who has been sacked 30% of the time under pressure.
A Tactical Approach to Improvement
As Commanders head coach Dan Quinn emphasizes, the team’s focus remains on continuous improvement. "You talk about it, and you make sure -- you want them to feel that emotion in the locker room after a win. We have a real process that we go through every single week to get us ready to play, and that begins today and all the way through tomorrow and into Wednesday, Thursday, Friday. We have a theme of every day," Quinn stated. "So, by staying consistent in that approach, I think that helps avoid the highs and lows. And I hope, and what I told the team earlier is just an absolute obsession with getting better and that's what we need to chase. Not what happened in the last game, but just an absolute obsession on things that we can improve on. Because, quite honestly, we think we can improve in a lot of areas."
This mindset helps the Commanders maintain their performance levels irrespective of past outcomes, always striving for better execution and refined tactics. Tactical inputs from key players have also been pivotal. For instance, star receiver Terry McLaurin requested a specific play that resulted in the biggest touchdown of the season, showcasing the player's insight and the coaching staff’s willingness to adapt.
With a solid foundation, exceptional player performances, and a relentless drive for improvement, the Washington Commanders are carving out a formidable path early in the season. Their challenge will be to maintain this high level of play against tougher defenses and to consistently refine their strategies as they aim for sustained success.