Hogs Haven
Washington Post (paywall)
Commanders wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. got things started with a 69-yard return on the opening kickoff that set up Washington’s first score. “It creates momentum,” said quarterback Marcus Mariota, who helped the Commanders capitalize on the excellent starting field position with a two-yard touchdown run five plays later. “It’s huge.” With the Commanders leading 20-10 early in the third quarter, rookie Jaylin Lane broke the game open with a 90-yard punt return for a touchdown. “I told them I just need one lane and I’ll make the rest happen,” said Lane, who couldn’t corral a pass in the end zone in the first quarter. According to the team, it was the first time since 1994 that Washington had a kickoff return and a punt return of at least 60 yards. Washington’s excellent return game more than made up for an up-and-down day from kicker Matt Gay, who made field goals of 46 and 56 yards but also missed from 37 and sent a kickoff out of bounds.
After Chris Paul and Andrew Wylie replaced Brandon Coleman and Nick Allegretti at left and right guard in the starting lineup, the Commanders rushed for 201 yards and three touchdowns on 32 carries. Jeremy McNichols had a team-high 78 yards, including a 60-yard touchdown that almost certainly will warrant a mention during Kyle Brandt’s weekly “Angry Runs” segment. McNichols took a hit from former Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn and then avoided the grasp of linebackers Devin White and Elandon Roberts before outrunning the rest of the Raiders’ defense en route to the end zone. Chris Rodriguez Jr., who was active for the first time this season, had 11 carries for 39 yards. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt had consecutive nine-yard runs on a scoring drive in the second quarter and scored his second touchdown of the season.
The Athletic (paywall)
Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn said Monday that quarterback Jayden Daniels remains day to day in his recovery from a knee sprain that he suffered in Week 2, leaving his status for Sunday’s game in Atlanta uncertain.
“As we get into Wednesday, I’ll be more qualified (to talk about) practice and what we can hit on. He went through some things today, some more tomorrow and that’ll lead us up to Wednesday.”
Commanders.com
— @LMCEnjoyer: Will LMC continue seeing more reps over guys like Chris Moore and Noah Brown?
It will depend on how he progresses this season. Brown is a starter when healthy, and Moore got more snaps than McCaffrey last week (33-21, respectively). It’s possible, but right now, I don’t think it’s likely that McCaffrey gets more snaps than either of those players if they’re on the field.
With that said, I...
