NFL Tales of the Week – Week 2 Edition (9-21-26)
By: Tyrone Montgomery Jr.
Headline Photo Credit: Cleveland Browns
Washington Commanders Experience Deja-Vu
For Washington Commanders fans, Sunday felt like deja-vu all over again. Just when it appeared Jayden Daniels was beginning to find his rhythm, the franchise quarterback went down with another dislocated left elbow — the exact same elbow he injured last season. Daniels suffered the injury on the final play of the first half against the Dallas Cowboys, and while initial X-rays showed no fracture, further testing is needed to determine the extent of the damage and how long he will be sidelined.
What makes this injury even more frustrating is how preventable the situation felt from Washington’s perspective. The Commanders had the ball at the Dallas 1-yard line with three seconds remaining and elected to go for a touchdown rather than kick a field goal. Dan Quinn defended the decision afterward, saying he wanted to be aggressive. But instead of potentially going into halftime with points, Washington lost its franchise quarterback. Something worth noting is no one from the team bothered to check on Daniels except his backup, QB Marcus Mariota.
Daniels was having an impressive first half, rushing for 69 yards on seven carries and completing 11 of 17 passes for 96 yards and a touchdown. Then, on the final snap, left guard Chris Paul stepped on Daniels’ foot. Daniels lost his balance, tried to brace himself with his left arm and suffered the dislocation. That’s where the Robert Griffin III comparisons immediately come back. Washington once had another young, dynamic quarterback who appeared destined to become the face of the franchise. Griffin’s 2012 season ended up being remembered not only for his incredible rookie campaign but also for the decision to keep playing him after he suffered a knee injury late in a game against Baltimore. Washington ultimately won that game, but Griffin’s knee problems became a major turning point in his career.
The circumstances aren’t identical, but the feeling is very familiar. Washington has another franchise quarterback dealing with a serious injury after putting himself in harm’s way while trying to make a play. Daniels also has to recognize that his playing style puts enormous stress on his body. He is an electric athlete, but the Commanders need him available. Adding some muscle and strength during the offseason could help him withstand the punishment that comes with being such a mobile quarterback. That doesn’t mean Daniels caused this injury, stepping on someone’s foot is a freak occurrence. However, Washington has to find ways to keep its most important player healthy. The Commanders finally appeared to have their franchise quarterback. Now, once again, they are waiting and hoping that another injury doesn’t derail the future of the organization.
Hope In Cleveland: Deshaun Watson Turns Back the Hands of Time
Every NFL game is different, and every team can look completely different from one week to the next. That reality was on full display with Deshaun Watson and the Cleveland Browns. Just one week ago, Watson and the Browns looked like the same disappointing team fans have grown accustomed to seeing over the years. Watson has struggled to stay healthy and has not looked like the quarterback he was during his time with the Houston Texans. Since joining Cleveland, he has failed to consistently recapture that form, leading many to wonder whether the Browns needed to begin a changing of the guard.
Those questions became even louder after Cleveland drafted two quarterbacks last year in Shedeur Sanders and Dillon Gabriel. With Watson struggling, some fans and analysts began wondering whether one of the young quarterbacks could eventually take over the offense. However, Watson was the top guy during training campy this past summer and ultimately delivered a performance that may have changed the conversation.
Marching into Tampa Bay, Watson led the Browns to an impressive road victory over a quality Buccaneers team. He completed 80 percent of his passes, threw for more than 200 yards, tossed two touchdowns and finished with a remarkable 121.9 QBR. It was easily the best game Watson has played in a very long time and arguably the best performance of his Cleveland career.
Watson also appeared to find a potential go-to target in rookie wide receiver Denzel Boston. Boston finished with five catches for 95 yards and a touchdown, giving the Browns a much-needed playmaker on the outside. His emergence could be critical if Cleveland hopes to build momentum around Watson. The timing of the performance was especially notable. Just one week earlier, Watson criticized the media for expecting him to throw for 500 yards every game. While that comment drew attention, he answered the criticism the best way possible: by playing efficient, confident football. One strong performance does not erase Watson’s struggles in Cleveland, but it does provide a reason for hope. Perhaps he has not completely lost the player he once was. Maybe, for one afternoon in Tampa Bay, Deshaun Watson turned back the hands of time.
