Commanders defense, and Deebo Samuel, steals the show in season opener

The Washington Commanders defeated the New York Giants in their season opener yesterday, 21-6, cruising to a 1-0 start as they gear up for a short week two. In a game where, pre-game, the concern was centered around how both of Washington’s offensive and defensive lines would perform against New York, they took control on both sides of the ball yesterday. The offense rushed for 220 yards against the Giants, while the defense allowed just 74 rush yards, as quarterback Russell Wilson led the Giants with 44 yards. With Washington not allowing a touchdown against the Giants, this is the first time that they’ve done so against New York at home since 2000.

The New York Giants were down two starting offensive linemen Sunday, but it should not dilute the impact that some of General Manager Adam Peters’ free agent acquisitions made on the field. Safety Will Harris’s physicality, alongside Quan Martin, helped set a tone for ball carriers around the second level of the defense. Javon Kinlaw had moments where he was outright unblockable, aligned as Joe Whitt Jr.‘s 3 or 4-technique. Deatrich Wise’s physicality and mental processing were critical in key moments, which is ironic given that he had one critical fourth-down penalty that extended the Giants’ first scoring drive.

Outside of the defense dominating throughout the day, and never giving the Giants offense hope of getting back into the game, the offense flashed often behind the Jayden Daniels and Deebo Samuel connection. Samuel accounted for 96 total yards on offense and finished the Giants off with his electric 19-yard touchdown run. The run itself embodies exactly what Samuel brings to an offense with the ball in his hands. Offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury gave Samuel an opportunity to finish runs how Deebo knows best — break some tackles, show high-level physical toughness, and get in the end zone.

Who are your MVPs from yesterday’s win against the Giants?

You can listen to the full Trap or Dive episode below. We discussed:

• Despite several mental errors, the offense showed why they are very dangerous
• Excellent pass rush with pressure, but must finish at the quarterback more
• Josh Conerly Jr and Bill Croskey-Merritt’s debut
• Sloppy game with 12 penalties
• Offensive and Defensive Game MVPs

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