Hogs Haven
This was a fun and relaxing game to watch
The Commanders took a unique approach to a difficult schedule in Weeks 3 & 4 by traveling from the team’s Monday night game in Cincinnati directly to Arizona for this late Sunday afternoon game. The players and coaches spent the entire week together on the two-city road trip, and the team was able to use the facilities at Arizona State University, where Jayden Daniels had once been the starting quarterback, to practice and prepare for the game.
When the Sunday kickoff actually arrived, the Commanders were well-positioned. With the Eagles getting whipped by the Buccaneers 33-16 in the Week 4 early afternoon time slot, Washington entered this game against Arizona in sole possession of first place in the NFC East.
By the time the game was over, Washington had put up its first 40-burger of the Dan Quinn era and was in the division lead as the first quarter of the 2024 regular season drew to a close at the end of September.
A fast start for the home team
The Cardinals got the ball first and marched right down the field for the game’s opening score. Kyler Murray hit rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. for a TD with Igbinoghene in coverage. The drive lasted 9 plays and covered 55 yards to give Arizona the first lead of the game at 7-0.
Commanders continue streaks: scoring, no punts, no turnovers
Washington’s offense had gone 17-straight drives without a punt or a turnover, scoring on 14 consecutive possessions (not counting end-of-half kneeldowns). Today was no different. Jayden Daniels led the team on an efficient offensive drive. On 1st & goal from the 6-yard line, Brian Robinson went straight up the middle for the touchdown to complete the team’s 15th consecutive scoring drive as punter Tress Way napped on the sideline. The score was tied at 7-7 after the 9-play, 70-yard drive.
Cardinals
Again, it looked like the Washington defense was not able to contain the Cardinals offense, and the home team soon had 1st & 10 at the Washington 43-yard-line. However, after two more plays, it was 3rd & 9 at the 42-yard line. The attempted pass by Kyler Murray was incomplete, and the Cardinals punted. Washington set up for their second offensive possession a their own 7-yard line with just 02:39 left in the first quarter.
Washington’s 2nd offensive possession
A highlight of this drive was a beautiful pass to Terry McLaurin on the right sideline for 11 yards. The quarter ended on a 6-yard run by Brian Robinson, bringing up 2nd & 4 at the Washington 35-yard line.
A few plays into the 2nd quarter, Daniels hit on another big pass, hitting Olamide Zaccheaus for his 3rd reception of the game; this one went for 14 yards and another first down in Arizona territory. At this point, Daniels was 7 for 7 and 62 yards.
A few plays later, under pressure on first down,...
