Commanders Vs. Cardinals – Studs and Duds

I have been a Washington fan since I was six years old. I have been fortunate enough to see some great games during my time as a fan. Yesterday’s performance ranks right up there with some of the best and most complete games I’ve seen Washington play in the last two decades.

The Commanders looked rested and ready on a short week playing at Arizona, and despite giving up a touchdown on the first Cardinals’ drive of the game, really owned this one from that point on. The offense looked like it was in mid-season form and Jayden Daniels is playing like a ten-year veteran in Kingsbury’s system. Even the defense stepped up and held the Cardinals to just 14 points and 296 total yards.

Washington now sits at 3-1 and is in sole possession of first place in the NFC East!

Below are my Studs of the game, followed by some notes.

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Studs:

That Kid Jayden – This young man is something else! He’s mature beyond his years, poised under pressure, always seems to be in control and has all the intangibles you look for in a franchise quarterback. Sure, he threw his first career NFL interception yesterday on a poorly thrown ball, but I don’t think you’ll find a fan of this team who cares about that. The way he played yesterday was just magical – yet again.

Daniels was 26/30 for 233 yards with one touchdown and one interception. He added 47 rushing yard and a touchdown on the ground.

Brian Robinson/Jeremy McNichols – The duo of Robinson and McNichols combined for 169 rushing yards and three touchdowns (2 by McNichols) on the afternoon. They added four receptions for 18 receiving yards to boot. McNichols was again excellent picking up blitzes in pass protection, while Robinson had some impressive blocks downfield.

Terry McLaurin/Olamide Zaccheaus – McLaurin and Zaccheaus were instrumental in Daniels’ passing success all afternoon, showing the ability to create separation, convert third downs and make the tough catches. They combined for 13 receptions for 137 yards and a touchdown (McLaurin).

Commanders Offensive Line – I am as hard as anyone when it comes to grading the performance of our offensive line. That being said, yesterday’s game against the Cardinals was the best I’ve seen the line play in both run blocking and pass protection in five-plus years! Lucas, Allegretti, Biadasz, Cosmi, Wylie, Coleman and Scott were outstanding all afternoon. I was especially impressed with the rookie Coleman’s pass protection when he was in at left tackle. Major step forward for this unit!

Frankie Luvu/Bobby Wagner – Luvu and Wagner were all over the field causing chaos for the Cardinals offense. They recorded 17 total tackles, a sack (each player had half a sack), a tackle for a loss, two quarterback hits, four pressures, and a forced fumble and recovery (Luvu).

Dorance Armstrong – After a relatively quiet start to the season, Armstrong had his breakout game against the Cardinals recording five tackles, one-and-a-half sacks, one tackle for a loss, three quarterback hits, four pressures and a forced fumble.

Kliff Kingsbury – Kingsbury continues to call masterful games. Washington’s offense is clicking and he’s putting his quarterback in positions to succeed.

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Duds:

None shall be named!

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Notes:

• Austin Seibert remained perfect on the season connecting on both his field goal attempts (45 and 38) and making all his extra points.

• For as bad as this secondary has been to start the season, no Arizona receiver had more than 45 yards receiving. The only really poor play I can recall in the secondary was the fourth and 12 play to Harrison for the easy first down.

• Jeremy Chinn had a very active game and improved his tackling from earlier in the season. He recorded eight tackles and a forced fumble.

• John Bates continued his excellent blocking!

• Payne and Allen look like they are pressing out there. There was a play early in the game where Payne came flying up the field and lost his gap – allowing James Conner to run for a big gain. The next play he was called for being offsides. The due did cause some havoc in the Cardinals’ backfield though, combining for seven tackles (five from Allen), one-and-a-half sacks, a tackle for a loss and two quarterback hits.

• Washington has punted just once in the last three games!

• Credit the Washington staff for making the decision to travel from Cincinnati directly to Arizona on the short week. The team looked rested and ready to play!