More than a few fans were nervous heading into the Washington Commanders’ season opener, thanks to contract drama and injuries that prevented receivers Terry McLaurin and Noah Brown from getting valuable practice reps with the offense. Add in several moving parts along a retooled offensive line, the exile of running back Brian Robinson Jr., and franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels playing just four total snaps during the preseason and it was foolish to believe the offense would be a well-oiled machine during Week 1.
Fortunately, the New York Giants appear ready and willing to stink once again, so none of that mattered too much. The Commanders dominated the line of scrimmage on both sides of the ball in a convincing 21-6 victory over the Giants in front of a vocal sellout crowd at Northwest Stadium.
The offense wasn’t as sharp as usual, but Daniels connected with one of his favorite red zone targets, veteran tight end Zach Ertz, to open the scoring for Washington. Later in the first half, Commanders running back Jacory Croskey-Merritt became the franchise’s first rookie to rush for a touchdown in his debut since Alfred Morris in 2012. The fan favorite known simply as “Bill,” led the team with 10 carries for 82 rushing yards.
During the second half, Commanders receiver Deebo Samuel impressively dove to the pylon on a 19-yard jet sweep to earn his first touchdown in the burgundy and gold. Samuel capped his debut with a team-high 77 receiving yards on seven receptions. While McLaurin and Brown seem to be working back into their normal rhythm within the offense, Samuel appears to have capitalized on the extra reps he received throughout the summer.
Daniels kicked off his sophomore campaign by completing 19-of-30 passes for 233 yards, with one touchdown and no interceptions. The 24-year-old also had eight carries for 71 yards. Led by seventh-round pick Croskey-Merritt, Washington’s ground game finished the day with 32 carries for 220 yards. On a more efficient day, Washington’s offense could have easily scored 30 points or more, but a few errant passes, drops and untimely penalties kept the game closer than it should have been.
For the visitors, Giants quarterback Russell Wilson had a forgettable debut, completing just 17 of 37 attempts for 168 yards. Facing pressure on nearly 50 percent of his passes, Wilson never looked comfortable or confident behind a shaky New York offensive line.
Commanders defensive tackle Daron Payne was an absolute nuisance, with one sack, two batted passes and seven quarterback hits. As a unit, the front seven — led by Payne and defensive tackle Javon Kinlaw — flustered the Giants passing game, limited the ground game and registered seven tackles for loss. Defensive end Dorance Armstrong led Washington’s aggressive front with nine pressures.
After finishing last season 30th in rushing yards allowed, Washington’s defense held Giants running backs to 30 yards on 15 carries. How much credit goes to the Commanders versus how much blame should be assigned to New York is up for debate. New York had seven plays from the 3-yard line or closer and could only muster a field goal. The Giants also converted just four of 16 third downs on the day.
The Giants have now lost their last three opening games under head coach Brian Daboll by a combined score of 89-12. Coupled with the toughest schedule in football and a coaching staff and front office on the hottest of seats, this was clearly not the sort of a performance the Giants were hoping for. Washington, meanwhile, will hope to build on the win as they travel to Green Bay for Thursday Night Football.