Where Do The Commanders Go After A Rough Week Two Loss To The Cowboys (9-22-26)
By: Jaden Golding
Headline Photo Credit: Kourtney Carroll-Washington Commanders
ASHBURN, VA— The Washington Commanders are 0-2 after a 37-20 loss to their archrivals, the Dallas Cowboys, on Sunday afternoon at AT&T Stadium. Not only was the loss ugly, but Washington (0-2) lost its star quarterback, Jayden Daniels, to a dislocated elbow on the same arm he hurt last season against the Seattle Seahawks.
It’s an unfortunate turn of events not only for Washington but for Daniels, who’s worked hard all offseason to get back to 100% after reinjuring the same elbow late in the season, after returning from the initial injury.
The most likely outcome is that Daniels will miss at least four games. This would put his likely return date at Nov. 1st at home against the Philadelphia Eagles in week 8.
As of today, Daniels is seeking more professional advice on how best to handle this injury this go-around, despite no ligament damage. In the meantime, veteran backup quarterback Marcus Mariota will be QB1 and look to keep the ship steady beginning on Sunday in the home opener against Seattle.
Another area of concern has been the secondary. The play hasn’t met the standards defensive coordinator Daronte Jones wants from his unit or the style he was accustomed to in Minnesota.
Safeties Quan Martin, Jearmy Reaves, and cornerback Mike Sainristil have struggled to get into position. It’s not only about placing the blame solely on the trio; but as a unit against Dallas, the coverage was too soft, and Dak Prescott picked apart those soft areas because he had time to run through his reads and process.
There needs to be a change in play and communication within the secondary. That’s the issue that plagued them last season, resulting in many games where individual receivers had big games and explosive plays that were given up weekly.
There could be a change where Sainristil could see fewer snaps, in favor of Rasul Douglas, or even veterans Fabian Moreau and Isaac Yiadom rotating in. Safety Tyler Owens who was used everywhere during preseason could factor into different sets where he’s in the box or covering the deep halves.
On the offensive side, Terry McLaurin has to find his rhythm because this offense won’t go without their star receiver producing and making big plays. The targets against Dallas were there but to only finish with two receptions for 50 yards can’t happen. The run game needs to factor in a little more than it has during the first two weeks. With rookie offensive coordinator David Blough still trying to find his groove in the playcalling realm, the run game can’t disappear from times out of the game. But that also comes with improved offensive line play mainly from the middle to the left side.
We’ll see how this team comes out in its home opener against Seattle come Sunday afternoon.
