Hogs Haven
This was not a pretty game, but the Commanders defense had 7 sacks and the offense was 2-2 on 4th down conversions
The Commanders, having a roster that featured 33 new players, including 17 new starters, entered Week 5 with a 1-game lead on the Eagles and Cowboys in the NFC East and a chance to cement that lead for at least another week. The Browns came in on a two-game losing streak and trying to find a way to right the ship.
Washington had the attention of the NFL world following a Week 3 Monday night shootout (which they won) against the Bengals. That game featured several big plays offensively, but a 27-yard touchdown throw to Terry McLaurin at the right sideline in the endzone for a back-breaking 12-point lead with 02:10 on the clock is still one of the highlight plays of the 2024 season.
Heading directly from Cincinnati to Arizona, the Commanders hung 42 points on the Cardinals. Jayden Daniels sported an 82% completion rate through 4 games. To begin the season, his passes had been short and safe, but in Weeks 3 & 4 he had been increasingly aggressive as he looked to run less and rely more and more on Terry McLaurin, who put up 164 yards against the Bengals and Cardinals after tallying just 39 receiving yards in the opening two games.
The 3-1 Commanders had played three road games, and this return to Northwest Stadium was welcome, as was the opponent. Although much was made pre-game of the challenge of a rookie quarterback facing Myles Garrett in a Jim Schwartz coached defense that was 18-6-1 vs rookie QBs, Browns starting quarterback Deshaun Watson was struggling, and expectations were high for Washington’s second-consecutive home victory behind a suddenly red-hot offense that had scored 80 points in 6 days on the road in Weeks 3 & 4.
Those expectations were met. The Commanders out-played the overmatched Browns, and by the middle of the 4th quarter, Dan Quinn had inserted Marcus Mariota to ‘mop up’ for Jayden Daniels.
Browns
Washington kicked off, and, following the return, the Browns started the first offensive drive at the 30-yard line. After a quick first down, the Browns faced 3rd & 3 at the Washington 49 yard line. The run was stopped by DE Dorance Armstrong to force the Browns to go for it on 4th & 1. The play was short, and the Commanders forced a turnover on downs, taking over at their own 47 yard line. It was a strong start for Washington’s defense.
Commanders
After two unsuccessful runs, the Commanders faced 3rd & 10; on the third down play, Jayden Daniels was sacked by Zadarius Smith to force the punt. So far, the game is a defensive battle.
Browns
Washington’s defense forced a 3 & out, and the Browns punted on 4th & 17.
On a fair catch by punt returner Olamide Zachheaus, a Browns player hit him hard, drawing a penalty flag and...
